[Brace yourself, this one's long- Kazu]
Achan's P.O.V
"Nothing?!" Chief Clarence tapped my shoulder after I hadn't moved for a minute.
"If she doesn't want us to find him, she won't hide him in the house!" I said without opening my eyes.
I tried to focus all my senses on the ocean waves, detecting all the energy around the island.
Any misplacement of Nature's Essence (Lifeforce of nature) would indicate their location!
"Just give me time..." I whispered as my consciousness fell deep into the ocean.
Scion, a title that I never wished to have, but now, I have been using all His knowledge and power to save a human who broke the heart of a person of our kind. Though I felt justice for her part, I cannot overlook that she involved many innocent lives. It would have been easier for me to turn a blind eye if it were only this man. But to include the child of a person who wronged you and make their sins as theirs too? And lastly, to use such self-destruction just for revenge is where I have to draw the line.
No humans nor Craftsmen shall suffer- damn it, I used the northern term for People with Gifts-
"What are you doing?!" A voice echoed in my head, forcing me to ascend back to reality.
"Zo- Zorion?!" I mumbled as I stared at a familiar face in front of me.
I can see the Chief's unconscious body behind him.
"What are you doing?!" He repeated his question.
"Why- How are you here?!" I stood up.
"I should be the one asking you that, weren't you supposed to live like a human, like you've wanted?!" He also got up and faced me.
His hair's long again, Zorion the Successor, my childhood friend from the Coven.
"Did the Coven send you to get me?" I asked.
Just like before, he always knows where I am with his Magic. Always trying to be the hero by saving me, the Scion, the First Mage's eligible Vessel, but only second to him.
"I told you, that group of old bitches can't order me around. I came here because I wanted to see you!" He held my hands, I could see in his eyes that he missed me, he missed us.
But I know what he is. He just wanted to prove to me that he's better in every way.
"I know I promised you that I'll only show myself in front of you after I've mastered my Craft in five years, but after learning that you're in trouble, I can't stand idly, no more!" He placed his palms on my cheeks and caressed them with his thumbs.
"Zorion, I don't need your help!" I flicked his hands off my face and stepped back.
"You're still as stubborn as a mule!" He laughed while playing with his hair.
"I know you hated this, but to prove to you that you can rely on me, I have to let it grow out, or I won't be able to gather enough Mana!" He tried to explain, but I already knew it.
Zorion, a boy bound by tradition, strives to master Witchcraft under his grandmother, the last keeper of their family's magic. By nature, he should learn from a Warlock, for the magic of men and women flows differently, making his path more arduous than any gifted outsider's. Yet, with the First Mage's blood coursing through him, he defies the limits imposed by nature itself. There is but one condition. His hair must grow long, as the Witches of his lineage wield their locks like conduits- delicate yet powerful, pulling energy from the world around them.
"You're the Successor, I am the Scion. Wouldn't it make sense if you just let me die? That way, you wouldn't have to be the one to get rejected by the First Mage?"
"Are you really not gonna accept my feelings for you? Can't you see, I'm tryna make it work for us. If I gain more power than you, you can be the Successor, and I'll be the Scion-" He pulled me in for a hug.
"So you're just gonna sacrifice yourself?!" I pushed him away.
He cannot do that, his life's more precious than mine. I can't let him die just because of me, I don't deserve him, I never did and never will!
"Achan, my feelings for you have not wavered, it would never-"
"Zorion, I am indeed still as stubborn as a mule. I hadn't changed, and I will never see you eye to eye. You're my best friend in the world, and I can't lose you-"
"So you'll just let yourself die or be killed then?!" He started tearing up, pain drawn all over his face.
"We still don't know if the First Mage would return on our time, with you on the first line, it eases my worry. Please, don't take this chance away from me. I want to at least keep you safe, you have done so much for me, let me return the favor!" I smiled as I put my hand in my pocket.
"I can't live in a world without you, Achan, you're my only person!" He walked up to me and hugged me.
"I'm sorry-" I was about to take out the knife in my pocket when a sudden pull of gravity kept me standing still.
"I can't let you return the favor, I will forever be the one who'll sacrifice everything for you, that's how much I love you, Achan!" He whispered before moving away from me.
"Zorion!" I screamed as I tried to break free from his Spell.
How did he cast it without saying a single word? Did he really grow stronger?!
"Don't fight it, I know you don't have anything to use against my Binding Spell!" He smiled before grabbing the piece of paper that was on the ground.
The Boss's picture that I've been using for my Location Ritual.
"Fuck!" I exclaimed as I recalled the last herb that I used for the Totem of Protection that I gave to Elle.
Why, out of all times, could I run out of saffron, why now?
"I'm sorry!" He walked up to me and kissed me on the forehead.
"I, the Scion, revoke any-" I tried to cast a Spell, but he suddenly kissed me on the lips, sealing it shut.
"I, the Successor, forbid the Scion's access to the First Mage!" He smiled sweetly before vanishing through thin air.
"ORI!" I yelled the name I bestowed upon him when we were kids.
The times when life was simple for both of us, times when our only worry was counting the days until we could reunite again at the Coven.
The only person I've ever felt powerless even though I possess the power that could change the world. My best friend, whom I can't reciprocate their feelings, for I don't deserve their love. For I am nothing but a sham, a false Babaylan who doesn't deserve this power.
"Don't cry, I told you, I'm always here for you... You don't have to suffer alone anymore!" I hear his voice in my head.
"Where are you?!" I yelled at him.
"This would be over soon, once I save your employer, I'll help you settle back to your old li-"
"No, you don't get it! Come back, we're dealing with a serious foe, Ori. Set me free, she's dangerous!" I tried to move, but it seems like his Spell won't wear out any time soon.
"What were you thinking? Who are you fighting against? Sorcerers from the west?" He exclaimed.
"No! The enemy has Darkness with her!" I revealed, hindering him from answering.
"What are you fighting?!" He showed up next to me as I began to be able to move again.
He dispelled me.
"The Witch of the Forest!" I exclaimed.
With both of us possessing access to memories of the First Mage, knowing the title of Silvia is enough for him to fear her this much.
"And you lift the Curse that's affecting the son of your employer?!" He gasped.
"I know it's dangerous, but I can't just keep her killing innocent lives?!" I mumbled.
"Achan?!" He sighed in disbelief.
"I'm sorry..." I lowered my head, I know he's worried for me.
He's the only person who could make me feel this guilty about my actions, that's just means that I trust him completely, enough reason for me to keep him away. I can't let him get caught in my bad luck!
"Maiden's Remains... This is a tough Curse, is that why the Coven let the Moralez family get in touch with you?" He asked, reigniting my anger towards those wretched Elders.
"You didn't know?" I look at him.
"Know what?" He sat on the floor, urging me to sit next to him.
"We don't have enough time-"
"Two Vessels against a mere Witch? I don't think she'll try something sus while we're here. A SINGLE MOVE AND YOU'LL REVEAL YOUR LOCATION!" He yelled as if he were trying to be heard by Silvia.
He's right, though. With both of us together, it strengthens our connection with the First Mage.
"So, speak. What did those corrupt Elders do this time?!" He stared at me with those eyes that sparkle like the stars at night.
"I- It's nothing..." I tried escaping his gaze, but he just held my chin to keep me from looking away.
"So, what, you just chose to serve this family because you knew how bad it would be to let our kind kill innocent lives?" He scoffed but got serious when I didn't react.
"I can't let the Witch of the Forest involve innocent humans, especially those people who were unfortunate enough to be born and inherit the sins of their parents!" I uttered, making him speechless.
I know he hated humans, they are the ones who hunted his entire family for having an extraordinary ability that they never asked for, after all.
"I- If that's your resolve, then let me help yo-"
"No, having you here is enough!" I cut him off.
"Let me lend you a hand, the Maiden's Remains is quite a handy Curse. Merging our Cores would be easier!" He smiled as he extended his hand to me.
"I..." I didn't accept it, for our hearts could never be on the same wavelength.
Merging Cores needs an extreme amount of trust between the other. The Successor and the Scion must have the same resolve. Meaning, they should have mutual feelings for each other.
"You didn't wait for me?" He took back his hand, I could see the hurt in his eyes.
"I thought we promised to wait for each other?" His voice broke.
"I'm sorry, but I already told you, we can never see each other from eye to eye!" I whispered as I tried to touch his face.
"Was I that unbearable? Am I annoying you?" He stood up.
It's best if he hates me. That way, he can fully accept our fate.
"Who is he?" He whispered as tears fell from his eyes.
"Why would you assume it's a he?"
"Come on Achan, it's not like the First Mage is gonna pick someone straight!" He laughed.
He really hadn't changed ever since. He still speaks what's on his mind, I know he means well, though.
"He's- I don't know yet..." I smiled.
"You're confused? Are there more than one?" He sat back down.
Despite the third rejection, he still chose to stay with me. As if I needed more reason to keep him far from my bad luck!
"I don't know, it's complicated!" He smiled after hearing my frustration.
"Look at you, finally opening up your heart- but why choose the wrong person?!" He whined as he rolled on the ground.
"I'm sorry-"
"Stop it! I always knew that there's no chance for us... I just want to confirm for the last time, before I go ahead and try moving on!" He smiled at me and showed that he's as strong as before.
"You really took it better than the last time!" I smiled and we both laughed.
"Then, if you want to make it up to me, can you still keep me as a friend?" He stood up and lent out his hand once more.
"You know, even if we haven't met for four years, you're still and will always be my best friend!" I smiled and took his hand.
He's been friend-zoned for the third time, but though I keep on hurting him, I know it's better than letting him in despite knowing that I could never love him back. That's the worst curse one could ever have!
"Now, *inhale* shall we?" He looked at me and smirked.
His eyes glowed bright, golden white.
"Successor, lead the way!" I bowed and let him walk past me.
"Scion, guard my back!" He said as the ground under his feet started to rumble.
A Magic circle suddenly appeared under him as his hair began to sway with the winds, gathering Mana all around us.
"Witch of the Forest, Silvia Serafina. Heed thy call and arise before my eyes!" Ori recited the Witch's Summoning.
"Successor?!" Silvia's words echoed in the air, conjuring a heavy atmosphere.
"Chief!" I yelled as soon as I realized the Chief Clarence was still knocked unconscious.
"Go!" Ori yelled, telling me that it's okay to save the Chief first.
I ran to where the Chief is and pulled him inside the house.
*Boom!* A sudden loud explosion occurred outside, making my heart pound.
This is the first time I will experience a battle between Witches. And judging from my recent experience with the Witch of the Forest, I worry for Ori!
"Chief, wake up!" I yelled as I ran for the kitchen to find any viable herbs.
As I rummage through the pantry, I hear a few footsteps upstairs.
"Who's there?!" I yelled.
"Achan?!" I heard a voice call for me before a loud explosion occurred outside, next to where the kitchen is.
The soundwave broke the glass, and as the debris was about to hit me, a sudden pull from somebody's hands.
"Are you okay?" Uther's voice pulled me from the haze of disorientation left by the explosion.
"You can not beat me in that body, First Mage!" Silvia's voice echoed as another loud bang occurred on the other side of the island.
First Mage?
"Are you okay?!" Uther checked on me, but my mind was flooded with fear.
*Gasp!* Did the First Mage use Ori's body?!
"Ori!" I couldn't waste my time.
"Achan!"
If the First Mage indeed chose the right person, that means the other Vessel only has a day to live- I only have a day? Why was it so sudden?!
"ORI!" I yelled before grabbing a fistful of sand on both my hands, clasping them together to make a weapon.
'I, the Scion. Trade half my life for a Creation, Weaponry!' I cast on my mind as the sand starts to reform into a long, glassy sword.
Ori's in danger, we're not mature enough to handle the First Mage's return. And if he continues to fight Silvia, it would also endanger his life!
"Silvia!" I yelled as I found myself inside the cave under the cliff.
Why did my feet take me here?
"You're a smart one, aren't you? How did you sense her real body?!" A man, located deep inside the cave, spoke.
A figure of a man with hair reaching his waist walked into the daylight, revealing his alluring face and dangerous aura.
"Who- What are you?!" I held my sword tightly as I pointed it at him.
"You must be the so-called First Mage's Scion? Is that why you could see me?" He smiled as he tilted his head to the side, sending shivers down my spine.
'This guy's the real danger!' My head screams in caution!
"You- You aren't showing in First Mage's memory, what are you?!" I tried attacking him with my sword, but he just shattered it with a flick from his little finger.
"Hey, I'm the only one who's allowed to ask a question here! Anyway, you're part human, help me end this, and I'll forgive your rudeness towards me, does that sound reasonable?" He smiled, but I couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.
There's something that I can't tell him. What is he? He's full of mystery, is he the Darkne-
"Dude, I am not the Darkness... I look better than that hoe!" He exclaimed, as if he read my mind.
Was he offended by my-
"Yes, now, can you help me or not? I can't meddle with humans, so, could you be the one to finish this or not?!" He yelled, bringing me back to reality.
"Ori!" I mumbled as I ran to where he was pointing.
"Stab her with your sword, and the manifestation of her hatred would vanish!" He said after appearing next to the corpse of a woman who looked like Silvia.
Is this her real body?
"But where's-"
"Stop asking questions, your Boss is up in his room, hidden in the closet!" He scoffed.
"But you broke-" I was cut off when I felt the weight of the sword in my hands.
He fixed it? I didn't feel any Mana from him though?!
"Azudeno, what are you doing with theScion?!" Silvia suddenly entered the cave.
"Do it or you'll miss your only chance!" The man smiled before vanishing.
"Don't you- AAAHH!" Silvia screamed in pain after I immediately struck her original body with my weapon.
Her corpse turned into smoke, but her Spirit's still here.
"What have you done?!" She tried attacking me, but Ori appeared in front of me, blocking her.
"You cast a Creation Spell?!" Ori's eyes widened as he stared into the glass sword in my hand.
Ori?
"You're not Him?" I yelled in disbelief, but relieved at the same time.
"How can the First Mage return right now? Darkness is still far from waking!" He said as his eyes glowed.
He turned to Silvia as a giant Magic Circle enveloped the entire cave.
"No, no, no!" Silvia tried to fight back with her Black Magic, but without her corpse that serves as her source of Mana, she's nothing but a helpless fly!
"I told you! We can defeat her together! Why did you cast a powerful Spell?!" He yelled at me, anxious of the consequences that I would face after the Spell runs out.
"Ori, it's okay, I'm already tainted, in the end, I am just like my father!" I said as I tried to recall the voices in my head earlier.
ERROR! The Scion's Purity was tainted, Darkness has entered your system, consider seeking Purification immediately or the Scion would be revoked!
"You-You-You're tainted? How? What forbidden Spell did you use?!" He held my shoulders as he teleported us back inside the house.
"Love Spell..." I looked down as he helped me sit on the sofa.
"YOU MADE A LOVE SPELL? You're supposed to only make potions, not recite the spell itself! You're a Healer, you're not supposed to Practice anything that might taint your Purity!" He scolded me as he began to cry.
"I know you're mad, but at least I won on our bet, now, you'll get to keep your li-"
"No! You won't turn out like your father!" He yelled.
"But I am, look at me, a tainted Purity!" I whispered.
"Are you as selfish as he? Huh?!" Ori shook me.
"But-"
"Listen, you're the kindest, purest person I've ever met, you are not like Maester Rachan! Got it?" He held both my shoulders.
"Then, if you indeed believe that, let me die instead-"
"Why are you so eager to die for me?!" Ori yelled.
"The same way you wanted to die for me?" I looked at him.
"You don't even love me that way, stop saying things you don't mean!" He looked away.
"That's why I should be the one. You deserve another shot in life, without me, you can finally move on-"
"What about the person you love? Wouldn't you regret not telling him what you truly feel? Don't worry about me, I could come up with a solution, remember our promise?"
"Achan, what happened?!" Uther ran towards us.
"I'll contact the Great Mage, he can-"
"No, Ori, it's too late!" I said as I watched the sword on the table return to sand.
"Tsk, then let me at least do something!" He sighed and took me elsewhere before Uther could even reach us.
"What are you doing?!" I yelled at him after realizing that I was being tied to a tree behind the villa.
"How much Mana are you using right now? You just came from a battle- don't overdo your Magic or we'll both die!" I continued to yell at him, but he was too busy looking at his Grimoire.
"Achan, this is the last thing that I could do for you... After this, I can no longer be of help!" He smiled.
Then I realize, he's gonna use part of his Lifeforce- no, he's been using his Lifeforce!
"How many Teleportation Sigil(an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical power) did you bring?" I asked him despite knowing that he hadn't touched his pocket or anything that might indicate that he had a single Sigil.
"If you're Purity's tainted, I, the Successor, am also willing to lose part of my Magic!" He giggled, as if he were finding humor in both our identical situations.
He's always been like this, he's always finding ways to be close to me. To the point where he'd do anything just for me, which is why I hated him, I hate him for being this kind to me despite the way I treated him!
"Purify, Purify, Purify!" He recited the same prayer my kind is using.
"No! Don't! You don't have anything to offer to the Gods, I am not a son of God! Sto-" He put his palm on my hand as he continued his prayer.
"Haphides, Goddess of Nature, heed my prayer, I, the Successor, offer you my power to heal the Scion, a Vessel of the First Mage who's suffering. Heal thy body, that serves as our soul's vessel. Purify, Heal, Neutralize!" He changed the prayer.
"Ori?" I broke down after hearing his offer.
I, the Successor, am also willing to lose part of my Magic, even my eligibility!
His hands glowed bright golden light and entered my body, removing any impurities in my system.
'Granted, the Successor named Zorion Mago is now being revoked as the Vessel of the First Mage!' A voice appeared in both our minds, and I felt a sudden burst of energy gushing out of Ori's body.
"Achan, just so you know... I love you!" He said, before his whole body exerts white smoke.
"I told you, I don't deserve your love!" I yelled at him after shaking off his hand.
"I know, consider this as my revenge on you for not loving me!" He smiled as I watched blood spill out of his mouth.
"Ori!" I managed to catch him after his Magic started to run astray.
His Magic, what has he done?!
"I don't deserve to be loved by you, I am the worst!" I mumbled as tears covered my sight.
"Don't worry, I can move on!" He smiled as his hair began turning white.
"You- Your hair!" I held him tightly.
"Do- Don't worry, I can just cut it and color-" He's trying to act like he's not in pain, typical Ori.
I can't bear this pain. Why do we have to suffer so much?!
"But, I liked your long hair!" I wept on his shoulder.
I'm so useless... Why do I have to be the one to be born as the Healer? Why does he have to be born as the Successor?!
Flashback: 16 Years ago.
"Achan? Meet your peers, Sorene, Ivan, and Zorion of the Mago family!" Pa introduced me to the daughters and sons of his co-Elders from the Coven.
"Zorion? That sounds like a boy's name. Aren't Mago a family of Witches?!"
" 'nak? Don't say that! You knew Zorion was born as a boy, remember? He's the next Successor of the Vessel for the First Mage. Mago's are his descendants, after all. Now, can you just play with them? At least, be close with the next Successor, can you?" Pa explained it to my 7-year-old self.
I knew him before this, but I was ordered to act like a stranger to him!
"Fine, but if he turned out to be a rude person, I'll cry like a baby!" I sighed, playfully teasing my father.
"How can you cry like a baby when you're already acting too mature for your age? Can you take the humility?" He smiled, teasing me back.
"Hey, kid?" I walked into the kid named Zorion Mago, who was quietly watching the guests on the corner of the room.
"Young Master Allare, it's nice meeting you-"
"Can you not bow like a girl?"
"So- Sorry... It's just the way I was brought up." He looked away with his teary eyes.
Tsk!
"I-I'm sorry, I just cannot bear your cuteness!" I lied to make his uneasiness a bit lighter.
I know my past self was a bit rude. I was just raised to be a bit rough for my father's a well-known Elder in the Coven, and he doesn't want me to be seen as a weak and kind one. After all, this place his full of selfish People with Gifts who just want power and fame!
"Do you really hate my hair?" He pouted after hearing me.
"You just look too much like a girl, I don't like it!"
"Then I'd cut it!" He said before a light passed through his head, cutting his long hair short.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" I yelled at him.
"My Magic's useless after all, I have no father or grandfather to teach me our Magic... At least I could look good in front of you!" He laughed as he stared at me.
Two years had passed, 14 years in the past.
"You're not as bad as I thought you were before!" He laughed as we both ran for the grassy field.
"So, you've been revealed as the Scion, next in line for me, the Successor!" He sighed after we lay down to rest.
"That means one of us could die if the First Mage ever returns and uses our body as his Vessel." I mumbled as the memory of the First Mage course went through my head.
No one other than the Scion and the Successor knows about the consequences of the First Mage's return, after all, no one could live to tell the tale for the First Mage rarely returns to the land of the living, only when necessary!
"It's easy, I'll just have to let my hair grow back and become more powerful than you, that way, you'd survive!" He smiled.
"Are you dumb? We're too young to be thinking about death- but you got a good mindset, I think I should follow your lead!" I smiled back.
"What does that mean?" His smile faded.
"Next month, my father will start teaching me our Practice. My father's the best Babaylan. I don't think you stand a chance at winning?"
"It's a deal then? Let's see who would win?!"
"Deal! Place your hands with mine, Ori!"
"Ori?" He tilted his head in confusion.
"It means Light, your eyes glow whenever you use Magic, that's why I called you that- I'm sorry for not te-"
"I love it! Now, I have more reason to study harder! At first, I didn't mind becoming the Vessel, but now that the Scion turned out to be my best friend. I can't let him die for my sake!" He laughed as we both shook each other's hands.
One year had passed, 13 years in the past.
"The Great Mage took Grama! Practicing Witchcraft was restricted by the Coven, I'm sorry Achan!" Zorion's last words before he was taken by the Elders.
"Good, now you'll be more powerful than the Successor!" Father said after hearing my plea to help Zorion.
Turns out it was his doing. He orchestrated everything!
"Are you the one who informed the Witch hunter-" I was slapped by my beloved father.
That was the very first day that I received a strike from his hand.
"Did you think I could do that? They are our kind, we possess the same blood, the blood of our ancestors!" He yelled at me.
But my heart ached more than the sting on my face.
"You don't get it- if you want me to survive, he should be the one who must grow-"
"This is the last time that we're gonna talk about this, or you're gonna get it!" My father unbuckled his belt, which stunned my young, innocent mind.
Unbeknownst to me that it was the start of my life's living hell!
Three years had passed, 10 years in the past.
"It's nice to see you well, we're only thirteen, yet it seemed like we've already grown so much!" He smiled after meeting me at our usual spot.
"How can we not act mature? We have a total of 44 years of life experience in total, with the First Mage's memories written in our souls?" I laughed.
"But even though when you were still a normal Babaylan, you already acted so mature, right?" He smiled before drinking the juice that I gave him.
"How's Grama? Is she doing well?"
"It's been months after her release, she's been smoothly adjusting back to her normal life, don't worry!"
"I'm sorry!"
"Don't be, it's not like it's your fault that the Great Mage suspected her for treason?!" He laughed again, hiding his worries away.
"Ri- Right..." I looked away.
I don't have the guts to admit it, I can't tell him for I don't wanna lose him!
"Before the session ends, I want to tell you something!" He stood up after realizing that our time's running out.
"Me too..." My heart sank after remembering the day I had last week.
Today marks the day that my mother left us and filed for divo-
"I like you, Achan... I really do!" He confessed.
"What?! No, you can't!" I panicked and ran.
And just like that, we didn't see each other for another few years...
6 years later, 4 years in the past.
"Thank you, but I can't let you do this just because we have the same destiny. Zorion, you cannot involve yourself, don't make the Coven hate you too!"
"Five more years!" Zorion yelled, stopping me from walking away.
"Let me fully learn Witchcraft from my Grama, you cannot push me away anymore when I become more powerful than you, right?!" Zorion ran to me and held my hands.
"You can go ahead and try, I'm the Scion, remember? Just try to live your life Zorion, I am not worthy of your friendship!"
End of Flashback
"Achan? Can you promise me one thing?" Ori's voice pulled me back to the present.
"Wha-What is it?!" I held on to his hands tightly.
"If you figure it out, the person in your heart. Could you try opening up for them? Please give yourself a chance to fall in love!" He reached for my face as blood continued to spill from his eyes and ears.
"I- I..." I couldn't even promise him.
"Then, if it's hard. Can you at least continue using the power you're given?" He looked around for his Grimoire, but it was a couple of meters away from us.
"I- I got it!" I said as I raised my hand.
The book started to move on its own and flew towards us.
"Without the Successor, the Scion's left with nothing but both their power. You'll have no access to the First Mage's memories, so I've written every Spell in this book- take good care of it, now that I won't be needing it!" He smiled.
"What about you? Why are you always taking care of me?!" I shook him.
"Stop crying, it's not like I'm gonna die, see? I told you I would come up with a plan- if you could have just waited for me!" He laughed as he began to stand up.
"Don't worry about me, I still have my family's Witchcraft, I only offered my Title and the First Mage's power!" He patted my hair and offered his hand to help me get up.
"You're the worst! Giving me all your responsibilities like that?!" I laughed despite the tears in my eyes.
"What? Now go, your lover's still waiting for you!" He shooed me away like a stray dog.
"Ori, I'll forever be indebted to you, let me at least carry you back-"
"Dude, you already broke my heart, stop giving me false signals!" He stepped back and teased me.
"Are you for real guilt-tripping me like that?!"
"What? Are you feeling guilty? Don't be, you deserve all the love in the world!" He said before sitting on the ground, waving his hand to shoo me.
"Rest well, I'll go prepare a Potion!" I said before running back to the house.
"Uther?!" I yelled as I entered the house.
"Achan?" Chief Clarence just woke up on the sofa.
"Where's the Young Master?" I asked him, but he just looked clueless.
"He's here?" Chief
*Blag!* A sudden loud thud came from upstairs.
"YOUNG MASTER!" I hear Elle's voice.
I held tightly to the Grimoire and ran up the stairs.
"Uther, Elle!" I yelled as I watched both their unconscious bodies fall to the floor.
"Boss?!" The Chief yelled as a figure of an old man appeared next to them, holding an old book.
"Grimoire?!" I whispered as I watched black shadows lurk behind him.
What is happening?
"Who are you? Where's Arthur Moralez?!" I yelled, eyes fired with rage.