The Legend of Caelestella

The entire crew of olympic were waiting outside the castle grounds; they were whispering among themselves in hushed but excited tones. All of them were nervous, but Astar couldn't stop dancing on his toes. Haruki was talking to an older human man with short, blonde hair and orange eyes. He was dressed in traditional Ionian clothing. Haruki saw Astar and called him over. 

'Star, this is Galvan, he's Eldrin's right-hand man and the doctor of the olympic. Galvan, this is Astar, my new partner.' 

'Ah, so you're the one I've heard so much about, welcome to team Olympic Astar.' Galvan said, offering his hand out for Astar to shake it. 

'Nice to meet you, sir!' Astar said cheerfully as he shook Galvan's hand. 

'Just Galvan will do,' Galvan said as he chuckled. Astar gave a slight nod. A trumpet sounded from the barracks above them and the drawbridge began to open. The small crowd of mages fell silent as a tall, blonde figure in a peach-coloured dress emerged from the open drawbridge with four guards following just behind her. 

The atmosphere around Astar had completely changed, he could feel the respect of his team members radiating off them, and it was almost suffocating. His friends began to bow their heads in reverence and Astar followed suit. He wasn't entirely sure what the customs were when it came to greeting modern-day rulers, so he simply copied those around him. 

Eldrin, who was at the front of the crowd, greeted the empress, breaking the silence. 

'Good morning, your majesty. It is our pleasure to be hosted by you on a fine day such as today.' He said politely. Empress Marilyn broke into a wide, beautiful grin. 

'Eldrin! How wonderful it is to see you again, and the rest of you Olympians. Please, try not to use the formalities so much, you are all here to do a favour for me, I should be the one thanking you all. Now, let's head inside and discuss why you're here, shall we?' 

Eldrin nodded and signalled for the rest of them to follow him into the castle grounds. Nervous chatter began to erupt between the mages that were gathered, they began to follow behind their leader and he caught a few of them holding hands. They were all nervous. Eldrin had told them how dangerous this commission would be, warning them that if any of them wished to sit it out then to do so. This could be the team's very last mission together. Astar bit his lip and gripped his left arm tightly with his right hand until the skin of his arm turned white from the pressure. He looked down at the ground and hesitated before taking a few slow steps, gingerly following after the rest of his team. Was he deserving enough to be included in this mission? He had spent barely a week with these people and was still learning their names, yet he dare to put himself on a podium with them. Call himself one of them? How could he face such a dangerous mission with people who most likely didn't even trust him? 

'Star?' A voice rattled him from his mind, he looked up to find Haruki with his hand on his shoulder. 

'Are you okay?' He asked softly. The two of them walked in silence for a short while before Astar gently shook his head. 

'Is it anything I can help you with?' Haruki asked. Astar let out a long sigh as he rubbed his forehead. 

'Not really,' he replied, 'I'm just unsure as to what place I have here.' He told him. 

'Has someone made you feel unwelcome?' Haruki snapped. Astar shook his head once more. 

'I'm just not sure I deserve to walk among you or call myself one of you when I know the people here won't trust me with their lives.' Astar told him. Haruki nodded for a bit as he thought about this. 

'Well, if you want to gain people's trust then you can show them through your actions.' Haruki told him, 'The more you do for our team, the more you show you care, the more people are going to trust you. Make sure to make an effort to get to know people too.' Haruki paused for a second before continuing. 'I'm not saying to throw your life away though, no one wants that, and if you even consider it then I'll give you a piece of my mind, you hear me?' He ruffled Astar's hair and sighed, leaving his hand on Astar's head for a bit. 'Please don't even consider it.' He whispered. 

'Pardon?' Astar asked, he had missed what Haruki had just told him. Haruki shook his head. 

'It's nothing.' He said, trying to reassure Astar. Astar looked at him sceptically, but gave him the benefit of the doubt and looked back down at his feet as they walked across the wooden drawbridge to the castle. 'Hey, keep your head up. You're a member of Team olympic. Not every person gets to hold that title,' he said, slapping Astar on the back. 

'Oof!' Astar breathed as he coughed a couple of times. 

'Oh, sorry. Too hard?' Haruki asked guiltily. Astar began to laugh, loud joyous laughs until he began to cry, once he started the floodgates wouldn't close. He cried tears of joy and sadness together as one. Haruki placed a reassuring hand on Astar's shoulder, pulling him in closer to his side as he laughed along with him. 'You'll be okay now.' Haruki told him in a whisper. 

'I know, thank you.' Astar acknowledged. He lifted his head up and wiped the tears from his eyes, showing his proud stance to match how glad he was to be here as one of them. He would make them proud, he would earn their trust, after all, what made him more or less deserving than anyone else to be in this position here? He didn't want to let this go, so he would do everything in his power to keep holding on.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was dull. A couple of people were marvelling at the architecture and grand interior design, but for the most part, people were sitting quietly in the chairs that surrounded a large mahogany table. Empress Marilyn sat at the head of the table, the guards who had been following her were now standing watch near the doorway. Four women and three men now stood behind her, one of the men stood a bit in front of the others and was adorned with slightly more precious materials. Astar guessed he must have been the emperor, but who were the others? They looked around the same age as the empress and emperor, but they were also wearing royal clothing. He tried not to stare, but he was a little curious, last he knew, the empress had been an only child, so these were not her siblings, plus they were all different species. Astar sat two seats away from the empress with just Eldrin between him and the most respected person in Alatheia. 

The Empress turned her head and noticed him surveying the people behind her. She smiled warmly at him and he bowed his head reverently at her. 

'These are my wives,' she explained to him under her breath as she signalled to the women behind her, then she waved her hand at the men, 'those two are Eric's husbands.' The women all smiled at Astar and gave him gentle waves. 

'Like… consorts?' He asked carefully. 

'Yes!' The Empress said cheerfully, she grinned at him, then noticed the key which hung from his neck. 'Is that a key sword?' She inquired excitedly. Astar grabbed the key and put it under his shirt again quickly. 

'Uh, yes, your majesty.' He said faintly. She gave him a look of pity and he felt a pang of annoyance at the look he'd seen so often from the members of olympic. 

'Are you familiar with it? I've heard from Eldrin that you're a new mage.' She asked. Astar simply shook his head. 

'Zelein?' She called. A small Dragonborn woman with platinum hair and pale blue eyes stepped forward next to Marilyn. 

'Yes, my love?' Zelein asked in a silvery voice. The Empress whispered something into Zelein's pointed, scaly ear and she nodded and turned, walking out of the room. 

'Zelein has agreed to help train you in the art of the key sword if you would like.' Marilyn offered. Astar sparked up suddenly. 

'Really?' He asked in disbelief, 'Her highness would be willing to help me? I would love to receive advice from her, thank you for being so thoughtful, your majesty.' 

'It's my pleasure, after all, I should do as much as I can to help you and your team because of such a hefty mission you will be receiving.' 

Astar suddenly remembered why they were there. To find out what this mystery commission from the Empress would be. Suddenly, The Empress cleared her throat and the very few whispers that circled the room came to a halt, with such a simple sound, all the attention had been directed to her majesty. 

'I thank you all for coming. You have no idea how much it means that you have accepted this mission,' she began, 'however, please keep in mind that this mission will be gruelling, you in no way are being forced into it and if you wish to withdraw I will be understanding.' She let out a long, thoughtful sigh. 'Please, do consider it though. This mission could very well save the continent, and perhaps even the world.' 

'Your majesty?' Eldrin politely broke in, 'I do believe it is high time we learn the truth, what death mission are you sending us on?' He asked, with a slight bit of criticism in his tone. Astar stared at him, wide-eyed. He could see the guards at the door bristling. If Eldrin knew what he was doing, he had to be ludicrous. 

Even a wrong word to the empress and he would be sent to the dungeons to live out the rest of his days. However, Empress Marilyn simply gave a smile coated in sadness. She looked truly torn. 

'You must find the remains of Caelestella before Kezran does, and return him to us.' She said softly, looking down at the ground. Astar assumed it was because she knew how Eldrin would react. He looked like he was about to explode. His face was twisted into a knot of confusion, anger and torment. 

'You want me, to send my team, my family, on a wild goose chase to their deaths?' He asked, with a lowered, dangerous voice. His fists were curled and Astar could physically feel the anger in his heightened mana waves. He curled back into the chair and hugged his knees. The tremendous power radiating from Eldrin was hurting him, his mana core was tightening, attempting to shy away from the greater power. Haruki was sitting next to him. He stood up and leaned over Astar, covering him in a layer of his own, calming mana. 'Eldrin!' Haruki yelled. Eldrin turned around and his mana began to fluctuate before it began to calm. 

'You haven't even listened to our opinion on this. Before you try to speak for us, maybe listen to what we think.' All of the olympic began to nod. Eldrin released the tension from his body and turned to face them. He clearly hadn't considered that. He gave his team a nod and Eli, a small beastwoman, spoke up. 

'Eldrin, we all appreciate your worries,' she spoke gently, 'but please, we are all here today because we are willing to face whatever we have been given, we are all ready to follow you into this battle, why else would we be in your team?' Nods and chatter of approval and agreement began to spill out from the small crowd of mages. The point that had been made by Ellie was true, they all knew the risks. Haruki relaxed his stance over Astar and leaned lazily on the back of his chair, Astar too was finally able to relax and he sat back, leaning into Haruki's arms which laid across the back of his chair. The empress cleared her throat.

'I apologise for the stir this news has caused, however, I am in desperate need of help. The time we have left to complete this mission is slowly beginning to disappear.' She looked at all of them with a grave face. Her husband and consorts all began to shift behind her, they all shared concerned, anxious faces. This was their only option. Eldrin stood up once more and cleared his throat. 

'Your majesty, Empress Marilyn, on behalf of team olympic,' he paused, taking a moment to consider his choice, 'I accept your commission, we will find Caelestella and we will put an end to The Knights of Kezran.' The Empress's face lit up, she clasped Eldrin's hand cheerfully. 

'Eldrin, I cannot thank you enough, I will support you all as much as I can, you may all use my training facilities to work on your skills before you decide to go off, I will also help your less experienced mages by giving them instructors, thank you Eldrin, thank you.' Eldrin carefully brushed her hand off his, and looked down at the table, bracing himself against it. 

'I expect that much at least,' he said, he sounded torn, he wanted to help his friend but he was putting the lives of his team at stake. Galvan walked up behind his husband and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Eldrin let out a sigh, one that he had been holding in for a while, as he slumped back into his chair and buried his head in his right hand. 

The Empress signalled for one of the guards who were at the entrance of the large hall and she quickly walked over to the side of her majesty, she must have been a beastwoman although it hadn't been apparent at first. She had cool brown skin and deep black hair, her azure blue eyes peeked out from her long fluffy bangs, and a pair of bat wings sat folded tightly over her shoulders while two large ears twitched on the side of her head. 

'Moving on,' Marilyn said with a new sense of authority in her voice, 'This is Vixir, she will show you to your quarters. You will be residing in the palace until you decide to set off on the mission.' Vixir gave the team a small nod and her tiny bat wings twitched behind her. She fidgeted with a sceptre which sat in a loop on her belt. Everyone around Astar began to stand up and move towards Vixir. Astar stood up and walked over with them. Now that he was standing he could see how small Vixir was, she was only a couple of centimetres taller than him, and due to his malnourishment through his pubescent years, he was lacking majorly in height. Before Vixir greeted them, the empress pulled her to the side, whispering something to her as she took a quick glance at Astar. Vixir nodded her head and made her way back to the waiting group of mages.

'Alright everyone,' Vixir said, 'follow me to your quarters, I will give you relevant information on our journey there.' She had a scratchy voice, it was not feminine nor masculine, but androgynous. It betrayed her fragile stature. As she led them through the narrow halls towards the west wing of the castle Astar glued himself to Haruki's side. Many servants crowded these claustrophobic halls and the chances of Astar getting left behind were high. 

Haruki turned when he felt Astar's arm brush against his. 

'Are you alright?' He asked quietly. 

'I'm just trying to make sure I don't get left behind.' Astar whispered. Haruki half smiled and intertwined his hand with Astar's and slipped their hands into his pocket. Astar grew red and ducked his head when he felt Haruki squeeze his hand softly. Astar looked up and found Haruki looking straight ahead, walking casually. How was he so calm about this while Astar was a hot mess? He hadn't been oblivious to the development of their relationship. It had developed quickly, more than likely due to the time they had spent together. 

Astar felt nervous every time Haruki accidentally bumped him, or said something softly in his ear. In all the books Astar had read, homosexuality was an unforgivable crime, but when he found himself taken away from the books and thrown out into the world, he became surrounded by people from all walks of life being in love with whoever they wished. It was lovely, he had never understood how a thing as pure as love had been seen as treason anyways. 

He inched closer to Haruki and they walked in silence as Vixir notified them about how the palace worked, its rules and regulations, and a brief overview of the castle layout. They finally reached a round room, it was large and airy with tall windows and minimal but luxurious furniture. Around the room, there were seven doors, not including the one which they had just walked through. Vixir stopped in the middle of the room. 

'These will be your quarters, there will be two people per room, so pair up. If you need anything the servant's quarters are down the hall and on the second right. I have important business to attend to so I'll need to get going, however, I will come to get you all later for meal times and training. The Empress thanks you all greatly, you are doing amazing deeds for our country.' Vixir bowed to them before leaving the room and closing the door gently behind her. Everyone turned to look at each other, the importance of their mission finally sinking in. It wasn't just Empress Marilyn counting on them, so were ordinary citizens. Astar wiped a drop of sweat from his brow, the sun that shone into the large, open room was getting heat trapped inside.

 He turned around, slipping his hand from Haruki's and began to open the large, roof-height windows. The sun shone in from the west, a blinding orb of fire in the sky that kept them all alive. They were taught to be thankful for it in The Society, but they were never allowed to see it. He rested his elbows on the window sill and leaned out, with his hair whipping in the warm breeze of the summer months. He heard a suitcase get placed on the floor next to him and he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Ellie standing behind him. She smiled warmly at him. 

'It's a gorgeous view isn't it?' She said, sounding nostalgic. Her face was painted with a kind of sadness. She stood next to Astar and stuck her head out of the window with him, her dyed, purple hair flicked past her face and her long braid shifted lightly, her red panda ears twitched, listening to all the various sounds which floated through them via the wind. 

She was kind, that was the first thing Astar had noticed, but she was also very young, younger than him even. She must have been around fifteen or sixteen. She was also very talented, he had seen her in practice a few times, and the best way to describe her talent at such a young age was to call her a prodigy. 

He looked at her while she admired the landscape that stretched out further than the eye could see. The beauty of this world and its people, the fact that he would have missed out on this opportunity if he didn't act when he had, he didn't know what he would have done. 

He sighed and looked down the high tower to where it met the grassy hills, they were only two stories up but with the high ceilings, this castle had it seemed like they were more than five stories high, the tall ceilings and large window panes let a lot of light in and gave the room a mystical feel. Ellie turned back around to face him. 

'How are you feeling about this mission?' She asked, her face paling. Astar tried to find the words but soon found himself unsure of what to say, he was nervous, very nervous. He could die, just a few weeks after he had been freed. 

'It is a chance,' he said, trying to find the words, 'for me to prove myself. I don't want to die, but how am I meant to live if I were to bail out now? We are talking about not just our lives, but the lives of the millions of mothers, fathers and children who live their mundane lives on this planet. For me, the risk is worth it.' Ellie stared at him for a moment, taking it in before nodding. 

'That is a very good way to put it,' she said, running her hands over her thick braid. They both stood there for a second, unsure of what to say, the silence was creating an awkward atmosphere. A cough behind them broke the silence. 

'Ashr!' Ellie exclaimed, 'How are you?' Ashr smiled politely, his small, thin hands clasped each other and his blue and brown eyes stared nervously around, glancing at the floor every few seconds. His blonde hair fell over his face, covering his eyes when he faced the ground. 

'Are you okay Ashr, you're very quiet today. Ellie asked, sounding rather concerned. His fluffy hair bounced around as he shook his head, revealing a streak of sky blue that fell through his hair like a small stream of water. He was dressed in traditional Xastoulian clothing, a large country on the eastern shores of Alatheia. His outfit resembled that of a more masculine kunoichi. 'What happened?' Ellie asked him

'Erm, it's just Dock again.' Ashr said quietly. Ellie clicked her tongue, a sound of disapproval. Ashr was older than Eli, but they almost had an older sister, younger brother relationship.

'What did he do this time?' 

'Nothing bad.'

'Why are you upset then?'

'I'm not, I'm just nervous.'

'Of what?' Ellie asked. Ashr paused.

'He wants to room with me.'

Ellie made an 'oOooO' sort of teasing sound as Ashr went red and tilted his head to the floor, once more hiding his flushed face with his long fluffy bangs.

'The relationship is blooming! My ship is sailing!' Ellie cheered quietly.

'Eli!' Ashr protested. Ellie giggled and pulled her arm around Ashr's shoulders.

'Oh, alright you, I'll stop now.' She said calmly. Astar began to laugh and the other two looked at him before joining in, it took all three of them a while to stop laughing, they didn't even know why they were laughing anymore. But why not laugh for the sake of it?

'What are you guys laughing about, huh?' It was Haruki, he had wrapped his arms around Astar's shoulder and chest and was resting his head on top of Astar's. Ellie winked at Astar and gave him an eyebrow waggle. Astar rolled his eyes at her. 

'Just about Ashr and his little crush on Dock.' Ellie told Haruki. Haruki scoffed.

'Little? Oh please, that's a lie. Also Ashr, Dock likes you back it is ridiculously obvious.' Haruki told him.

'See, Ashr. I told you! You just didn't want to believe me, did you?' Ellie said. Ashr's face had turned pink.

'Yo- You guys don't know what you're talking about.' Ashr said with a big huff. Ellie laughed at her friend's reaction. She seemed like she had needed a good laugh, and by the cheeky look in Ashr's eye, he had probably sensed that too. Astar was very glad to have met such sweet people, and speaking of rooming…

'Haru?' Astar called to the top of his head.

'Yes?'

'Are we going to room with each other?'

'Of course, Star.' Haruki said as he lifted one of his hands to Astar's head and pet it comically. Astar giggled and shoved Haruki's hand off of his head. Haruki's hand settled over Astar's shoulder again. Ashr ducked out from under Eli's arm and waved goodbye to the group before he trotted over to talk to Dock.

'ELI!' Someone screamed as they launched themself at Ellie and bowled her over. Astar stared at the two girls sprawled on the floor. Ellie had been bowled over by a girl with a short, green bob and a short pale pink dress with a large butterfly tattoo climbing up her back. It had been Milli.

'Milli!' Ellie complained as she pushed Milli's face away from hers. 'You winded me, you!' She said as she faked a soft punch at Milli's face. Milli rolled off Ellie and fluffed up her ears, something Ellie clearly was used to. 'Why must you always touch my ears?'

'Because they're fluffy…Duh.' Milli said, shrugging her arms. Ellie sighed and face planted into her palm. Milli pushed herself to her feet and grabbed Eli's hands, lifting her to her feet. 'Want to share a room?' Milli asked Eli. 

'Sure.' Ellie shrugged. She picked up the small brown suitcase that she had left by the window. A little red panda charm gently clicked against a pale purple Dalteun symbol. The symbol of the greater powers of the universe. Dalteun was an extremely rare magic category to obtain, it was the only mortal magic kind that could not be inherited through genes, the Gods were the ones who chose the Dalteun wielders. 

'Eli, what Dalteun powers were gifted to you?' Astar inquired. Ellie smirked and twirled her finger as her hair floated into the air and she began to lift off the ground.

'Gravity Control.' She stated. Astar clapped his hands as Ellie came back down to the ground.

'That's so impressive!' He said.

'I heard you had Sacred Light Magic, is that true?' Ellie asked quietly. Astar nodded his head and lifted his hand, creating a soft yellow orb in his palm to show Eli. Ellie gasped and ran over to clasp his hand, hiding it in her own. Haruki tensed behind him.

'You mustn't show anyone.' Ellie whispered.

'Why not?' Haruki asked.

'I've heard from a friend of mine who is in the lower ranks of The Knights of Kezran that they're looking for a mage with Sacred Light powers.'

'Friend? In The Knights of Kezran?' Haruki asked as he swallowed a lump in his throat. 

'He's a childhood friend, he helps out his parents with their weaponry dealership. They all work for a very small section of The Knights, all against their will though, they're innocent civilians.'

'That makes sense.' Haruki mumbled.

'Why would they be looking for someone with my powers?' Astar asked nervously.

'I'm not sure, he was only told to report to the higher-ups if someone was found wielding those powers.'

Astar scratched at his arms. 'But I can show you guys, can't I?'

'You do not know who you can trust.' Ellie told him firmly.

'Are you saying you suspect one of our own to be a double agent?!' Haruki asked. 'That is a very dangerous accusation, Eli.' He warned her.

She lowered her head and her mouth turned into a guilty frown. 

'We are already too deep for a measly accusation to become dangerous.' She mumbled. She walked off, following Milli into one of the rooms beyond the octad of doors. She turned around to wave at Astar before closing the door behind her.

Astar gulped, this kind of news was not what he had been hoping for. He would have to use his magic when he fought against The Knights, but it was going to place him in danger.

'Don't worry about what Ellie said, it doesn't mean they have a target specifically on you, and if they place one on you…' Haruki trailed off. Astar turned his head, Haruki's eyes were dangerous as he watched out of the window in front of them. His eyes softened as he noticed Astar staring at him and lowered his gaze to meet Astar's eyes. 

'If they place a target on me?' Astar asked. Haruki tightened his hug around Astar.

'Then I'll slaughter anyone who comes after you.' He whispered. Astar's eyes widened. Haruki was a terrifying man, but the statement he had made that was filled with such bloodlust and hatred had made him feel safer than ever. He knew he could trust Haruki, he already knew that he would protect him. Never in his life had he let someone in and been able to trust them this much. He shifted his weight into Haruki's chest as he let out a loud sigh, relaxing himself as he turned his head, resting it beneath Haruki's chin. Did Haruki feel the same as him?

'Would you like to grab a room before we have to take the leftover one?' Haruki asked.

'Yeah, sure. That's a good idea.' He stood up again, releasing Haruki from his weight. Haruki's hands slowly fell off Astar, tracing his arms as they went, causing Astar to shiver from the light touch. Haruki tucked his hands into the pockets of his cargo pants and strolled leisurely across the room and over to the room labelled '6'. He turned around and beckoned for Astar to follow. 

'This room is free,' he said, 'will this do?'

'It looks fine to me, it is a bedroom in the royal palace.' Astar's back pocket began to buzz, he reached into it and pulled out a small yellow crystal ball. Eldrin had given them each a crystal ball to use for communications during the mission, each ball could recognize it's owner's mana, allowing access to the owner only. A small hologram message popped up above the ball, it was from Eldrin. 

'What'd he say?' Haruki asked, resting his arm on Astar's shoulder.

'It's just information regarding our training schedule.'

'A schedule is a bit excessive…' Haruki trailed off. 'Or maybe not, considering the mission.'

'I'm sure you'll be fine, Haruki.' Astar reassured him. 'You've killed a leviathan before.'

'I'm not worried about myself.' Haruki smirked 'I am worried about you and everyone else though.'

'Well, the sentiment is appreciated I guess.' Astar said.

'Don't put too much trust into my skills, Star.' Haruki warned him. 'I'm just as likely to get hurt or killed.' Astar rolled his crystal ball around between his index and forefinger. 

'I guess I'll have to protect you then.' Astar said with a smirk.

'Don't go stealing my job,' Haruki said as he ruffled Astar's hair. Astar peeked into room number six, there were two single beds against each side wall which were dwarfed by a large stained glass window. The window sent a flurry of gorgeous colours into the room, painting the walls, floor and furniture in wonderful shades of green, pink, blue, yellow and more. The warped, colourful sunlight directed his gaze up to the art in the window. A young man, with long pale blonde hair down to his feet stood against a dark green forest. He held a large, golden goblet, filled with a silver liquid. His eyes were shut and his long, pure white robe fell loosely over his chest and folded over itself once it reached the grass below his feet. 

'Who is that?' Astar breathed.

'You would know him by many names. Fallen King, Celestial Ruler, Protector of Uivis, but usually, simply Caelestella.' Haruki said as he threw his duffel bag at the foot of the bed.

'Is that what he actually looks like?' Aster asked, entering the room.

'Probably not.' Haruki said. Astar sat on his bed and slumped over onto his back, still caught up in the trance the stained glass had placed over him. Besides the glass window which took up the entire outer wall, nothing about this room really said "Royal Guests." The beds rested on top of creaky old iron bed frames, the terracotta tiles on the floor were chipped and the sealant was peeling from the top of many of the tiles. Astar pulled himself upright as the bed groaned beneath him. Astar took the crystal ball from his pocket and opened the hologram screen. The top of the screen read '6:30p.m.'. The time had flown while he wasn't paying attention. He opened the earlier message from Eldrin, dinner was supposedly at 7:00 p.m. each night, meaning he had half an hour to check out the castle grounds. He stood up as the bed creaked and stretched his arms above his head. He let out a loud sigh and turned to look out the colourful window. Below his window there seemed to be a sort of tranquil garden surrounding a pond, Astar wanted to go check it out. He walked over to the door and opened it.

'Hey, where are you off to?' Haruki asked from the bed he was sitting on.

'There is a nice garden outside,' Astar told Haruki, 'want to come with me?' 

'Sure, why not,' Haruki said with a shrug.

 The two of them finally made it to the pond after a winding trail of hallways through the castle. The garden was set out in a circle, the outside of it was guarded by tall hedges and wisteria trees, the trees had been dropping their flowers recently, and the ground and surface of the water looked as if they were covered in light purple confetti. Seven white victorian benches circled the pond, each had a plaque on the back of them representing the seven rulers of Alatheia for the past 2000 years. Many of Alatheia's Emperors and Empresses reigned for anywhere between fifty to three-hundred years. The average lifespan differed between the species on Alathiea, the youngest being human with an average lifespan of 195 years, and demons the oldest with an average lifespan of 520 years. Most species age at a similar rate, but once they reach the age of sixteen many species begin to slow their ageing process due to the preservative effects of the mana in the atmosphere. Astar looked over at Haruki, he didn't look much older than Astar, but he couldn't be so sure.

'How old are you?' He asked

'I turn nineteen in October.' Haruki replied. He then slumped his tall figure down onto one of the garden's benches and patted the seat next to him.

'Hey, we're of a similar age!' Astar exclaimed. 'I turn seventeen in June.'

'Did you know that in the dark ages, the months were named after phrases or Gods which gave the people hope?' Haruki told him. He looked up, inspecting the heavy clouds which were painted a faded orange from the setting sun on the horizon. 'June is named after Juno, the Goddess of Marriage,' he continued. Astar let out a long sigh and looked up at the clouds, stuck in a dreamy haze.

'How romantic,' he sighed again. Haruki burst out into laughter and fell onto his side on the bench. 'What?' Astar whined. 'Uivis, you're mean, what's so funny now mister?' Astar pounced on Haruki, tickling his stomach.

'Astar!' Haruki yelped. He spun around and sent the two of them flying onto the grass. They laid next to each other, and as their laughter faded, the skies opened and rain began to flood down. Haruki yanked Astar to his feet and they ran towards the castle surrounded by their own indistinct shouts. Astar collapsed in the entry of the castle. His hair was drenched. He sat down against the wall, catching his breath. To his left Haruki was doing the same. Haruki slicked back his white, rippling hair with one hand, while the other held the back of his neck.

'Where did that rain come from?' Astar puffed

'Not sure.'

'The clouds looked so light and fluffy just thirty minutes ago!'

'That storm rolled in quickly then.' Haruki pushed himself to his feet. He peeked out the archway of the castle. 'I believe that's the everstorm from beforehand'

'Why would the continent's capital build their castle beneath the path of an everstorm..?' 

'Beats me, perhaps this one got pushed off course and ended up above the castle, it's not common, but possible.'

'Indeed.' A voice from behind them sounded. Haruki and Astar turned to find Vixir standing in the shadows of the doorway. 'Some incredibly strange things have been happening to the weather across Alatheia in the past couple of weeks. Floods in Aidoth, snow in Westontia, even heat waves in southern Utral.'

'Do you know what's causing it?' Haruki asked her.

'Kezran.'

'What?'

'He's on the move.'

'That ancient devil is still alive?'

'You of all people should know that devils and angels do not die, Haruki.' Vixir said. Haruki went silent, glaring down his nose at Vixir. The tension could have been cut by a sword.

'Uh, more importantly, how did you know we were here Vixir, and why are you here?'

'I am here to collect you for dinner. Did your captain not send you the schedule?'

'He did… and that wasn't all I asked-' Vixir cut Astar off.

'Her Majesty's hospitality shall not be taken for granted here, young mage.' She said sternly. 'You'd do best to remember that, or else there may be issues for you down the line.'

'Was that a threat…?' Astar asked slowly. Vixir simply looked into his eyes with her stern gaze. Astar stood up, dusting the dirt from his wet shoulders. 

'Threatening your guests isn't very polite,' Astar mumbled.

Vixir began to stalk towards Astar, her hand resting lightly on the sceptre at her hip. Suddenly, a large figure stood in front of him, it was Haruki. He stood with his shoulders squared, his right hand resting on the hilt of the katana at his waist. Vixir stopped, looked Haruki up and down, then turned on her heels.

'The Empress does not approve of tardiness.' She said as she disappeared into the dimly lit hallway. Astar let out a loud sigh and hit his head against Haruki's back.

'Why are the people here so weird?'

'Buggered if I know, she's just got a stick up her ass. What a bitch.'

'She threatened me!'

'I know, fucking lucky she still has her head.' Haruki let go of the hold he had on his katana. 

'We should listen to her though, let's go to the dining hall for dinner.' Haruki tensed and went dead still. 'You do know where the dining hall is, right Haruki?' 

'How am I meant to know, I don't live here,' Haruki snapped.

Astar sighed. 'We better find it soon.'

'Where have you been?' Eldrin asked. 'It's 7:20.'

'We got lost.' Haruki snapped.

'Haruki, there's no need to get mad, I was just asking.'

'Yeah well maybe I wouldn't be so pissed off if we had directions, and maybe I wouldn't be so pissed off if the staff here weren't so oddly suspicious.' He yelled.

'Haruki...' No reply. 'Haruki?'

'What!' Haruki looked over his shoulder, he looked vicious.

'What's wrong, you seemed fine a minute ago.' Astar whispered. Haruki glanced over at the table and back at Astar. He leaned over and whispered into his ear.

'Do you see Vixir?'

'No, why does that matter?'

'She was going on about tardiness, dared to threaten you and is now the only guard missing in this dining hall? Does that not seem weird?'

'Maybe she's busy, Haruki I'm sure it's nothing. Let's sit down, we've already disturbed everyone's meal.'

'Tch.' Haruki glared down his nose at Astar and stalked over to the table, leaving Astar standing awkwardly at the entryway. He saw Ashr signal to an open chair next to him and Astar hurried over to sit down. On the other side of Ashr, a tall Beastfolk man sat and calmly sipped soup from his spoon. Across from Astar Haruki was glaring at the food in front of him. The Empress cleared her throat.

'So, Astar, right?' She asked him.

'Oh! Yes, your majesty!'

'Would you like to start training with Zelein tomorrow?'

'If it works for her highness then I would love to.' The empress smiled warmly.

'Oh, right, what magic did you say you have?'

'I didn't say. I have sacred light magic, though.' Someone's fist met the table with a thud. Astar jerked his head right. Next to Haruki, Ellie was choking on her food. She swallowed firmly and whipped her head up, looking at Astar with fear in her eyes.

'I said not to mention that,' she mouthed. Astar gasped and slapped his hand over his mouth.

'What is the matter?' The empress asked.

'Nothing your majesty, I just choked on a bit of the bread, my apologies.' Ellie said as she bowed her head in the empress's direction. The empress nodded back at Ellie and turned back to talk to Astar again.

'So, sacred light magic, you said?'

'Erm… yes, your majesty.' He said, looking down at his soup.

'Very impressive…' She said quietly. 'Ah yes, if you don't mind, my youngest son will be joining in on the lessons. He's around your age, so you should get along.' The empress winked at Astar.

'Oh, it will be no issue, your majesty, I'll get along well with him, I promise.'

Another fist slammed onto the table. A bowl of soup tipped and fell onto the ground, smashing as it met the marbled floor. Across from him, Haruki had stood up. He looked like he was about to explode. He calmly pushed his chair under the table and walked around to stand behind Astar's chair. 

'Tell your staff we are grateful for the food, but Astar and I must go now.' Haruki softly pulled Astar up by the arm and slipped his hand down to grab his. He walked towards the door with Astar in tow. Astar turned to bow at the mages gathered around the table.

'My apologies.'

The two of them walked silently through the hallway. Astar chewed at his lip. He was angry at Haruki for pulling him out of the dining hall like that, but he was more worried about Haruki.

'Haruki, just tell me what's wrong, please?'

Haruki turned around and pulled Astar into a hug.

'I just didn't like what she was insinuating, it was like she was trying to set you up with her son. Astar laughed.

'Please, why would the empress want a peasant like me to date her son?' Haruki scowled at him as he held him by the shoulders. 'Uh… Either way I wouldn't go along with it, you know that.'

'Oh? You seem pretty chummy with the Empress, I wouldn't put it past you.' Haruki retorted.

'What is your problem! If you're not going to tell me what the issue is then don't take your anger out on me!' Astar shoved Haruki away from him. 

'Astar.' Haruki said softly. 

'What, you're going to yell at me again? Haruki I'm worried about you, but you never tell me anything!' Astar took a breath. 'Do you not get that it's frustrating? Not to mention you keep dragging me around and including me in your issues but you still won't say a thing to me.' Haruki shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Astar's eyes. He mumbled something under his breath awkwardly.

'Pardon?' 

'I said I'm just cautious…'

'Oh, I see.'

'What?'

Astar said, 'You're jealous.' Ding. Bullseye. Haruki's ears went red, a bright contrast to his scowling face.

'What makes you think that?' 

Astar sighed. 'Haruki, would you like to accompany me to my training tomorrow?' 

Haruki's face lit up, then he coughed. 'If you don't mind.'

Astar laughed and grabbed Haruki by the hand as they both walked up the nearby stairway and headed back to their room.

Meanwhile, around the corner Vixir pulled a turquoise crystal ball from her back pocket and opened up her ley line communicator.

'Tell the boss we've found him.'

'Found who?' The man on the other side of the ley line asked.

'Astar Rosedew, for fuck sakes Eno, could you get any more dense?'

'Geez, calm down Soria, I just wanted to confirm…' 

Vixir cut the ley line communicator and sighed as she leaned against the brick wall. The sound of metal clanged behind her and she whipped around, pulling the sceptre from her belt.

'I knew you were suspicious.' An elven man with dark skin, platinum blonde hair and long bangs that covered his forehead down to his eyebrows held a long, delicate spear up to Vixir's neck.

'Xillathur…' Vixir said cautiously, 'It's not what it looks like, just think about this carefully first.'

'I wouldn't put this treason past a guard as stupid as Mark, but you? You've worked here for a century. Have you been a snake this whole time?' Vixir staggered away from the tip of the spear, slipping her sceptre back into her belt.

'Answer me!' Xillathur yelled.

'You should know the answer to that, Xillathur.' Vixir said calmly. 'My loyalty lies with, and only with, Empress Marilyn.'

'Then why the fuck are you doing this?'

'I am protecting that kid, Xillathur. He's in grave danger, Empress Marilyn needs all of Team olympic alive and well in order to continue this mission.'

Xillathur's spearhead lowered to the ground.

'How do you know this? Who is he in danger from?'

'The Lord of Darkness himself.'

'How does an insignificant peasant become the prey of Kezran.'

'Beats me. All I know is until they set out on the mission, it is our duty as guards of this palace to monitor and report all suspicious activity from any member of the team. Not any one of these mages can be fully trusted, everyone has their secrets. The only ones who are fully safe are Astar himself, and Haruki.'

'That angry demon fella'? How do you pass him?'

'Have you seen him and Astar? Haruki would never even consider anything that would put the kid in trouble, not to mention he's Kimiko's disciple.'

Kimiko Faang, the current guildmaster of the top guild in Alatheia, Demon Fang, took Haruki in as a baby and raised him as her disciple in the arts of magic. Team olympic is a subgroup belonging to the Demon Fang guild. They currently ranked as the fifth most powerful mage group in Demon Fang, and therefore Alatheia.

'True… Kimiko is the empress's right hand lady, she's the most trustworthy person outside the royal family.' Xillathur finally relaxed his muscles and leant back on his haunches. He flicked his bangs away from his face and the movement sent ripples through his silky smooth waist-length hair, revealing a second set of red eyes set in his skin above his brow bone.

'But you,' he said, pointing a thin finger at Vixir, 'need to be more careful about the way you conduct yourself. Stop acting so suspicious and the rest of us won't be so suspicious.' Vixir shrugged her shoulders and rested her back against the brick walls, shifting uncomfortably as her wings grated along the porous material. She wrapped her small wings around her shoulders, the cool afternoon breeze crept through the open halls. Xillathur patted her shoulder, slapping the fragile membrane of her wing.

'I'll see you again later, make sure you behave yourself this time.'

Vixir bared her teeth at him, 'Watch the wings,' she said. Xillathur rolled his eyes and strolled leisurely down the hall. Vixir dropped her face into her hands. She gritted her teeth together in frustration. This wasn't going to be easy.