SWNOVELS Chapter 37: Finding center
It’s somewhat mid-day the following morning as I stroll around the grounds. My night was a good one, filled with having dinner, sitting around the massive dining table with my family. I still laugh as Kerrigan and Le’nia watched all of it in either mild shock or intrigue as we all joked together and where my classmate and I swapped stories about school.
Afterwards, we all broke off and headed for bed. I however headed for the wolf den to make sure the pack was cared for. I really have to thank Lyra and Abigale for all the hard work they put in, seeing how the forest was devoid of life. I can still remember seeing hundreds if not thousands of wild boars roaming the forest, along with deer and other game of all kinds.
I smiled as strolled through the den, spending time with the pack and letting them get to know me. I know it’ll take a lot more time to develop the close bonds I had with their forebears. But it’s something I look forward to.
When I retired to my room, I soon discovered it occupied by same four wolves from earlier. I giggled as I snuggled in with my lupine family. I quickly dozed off amidst their soft fur. I know they equally loved having me at the center of them all.
As for the present? Oh, I’m just enjoying back here once more, back to another home I loved, much like Japan. I sigh softly, gazing at the bench where Celes and I cemented our bonds as sisters, still missing her deeply.
This place is full of memory for me, as if I never left. I still wonder about my life if history hadn’t caught up to me. Perhaps a year or more living here before it happened? There’s no telling how much I might have changed, maybe even forgetting I was from the present. I smirk, recalling having similar thoughts even while in the past.
My tails swish against the stone tiles, thinking I should spend some time alone time with Kerrigan. However…that might be a bad idea, seeing how she’d love nothing more than to shut the door behind us and “explore”. I know Saya perhaps might enjoy the same, if what I think about her is right.
I sigh, gazing back out onto the forest, thinking I really should’ve called the village before we left for France. I do miss them; loving the month we were there. At some point I will go back to the village, my home and loved ones.
“Ariko.”
I turn to see Kenji hopping down the stairs from the upper terrace. I grin, strolling over to him. He smiles as we quickly fold into each other and embrace, wrapping our tails around each other’s.
He then kisses my head and turns as we start to walk around the terrace. Our pace is slow, taking each step with care as if wanting the world to pause. It’s so good to have him here with me, feeling my heart swoon as our hands grasp tightly. While my feelings for a couple others are a bit conflicted, I know for certain that I love Kenji and have since when we first met.
“Last night was interesting,” he says.
I grin, nodding. I then glance up, seeing that Mom and Marron are watching us. I smirk softly, thinking I seem to always have chaperones no matter where I am in the world.
“I hope you weren’t a little upset when Le’nia and I were talking about school. I know you and girls would have loved nothing more than for me to have gone with you all.”
He shakes his head, holding my hand tighter. “Not at all. I only wish I had gone with you.”
I giggle, “That would’ve been interesting to say the least. But you know that this was a journey meant only for me right?”
He nods, “I do. I am also happy Fenris-dono went with you.”
I nod, blushing softly. “He is my father after all. He’d never let me go anywhere without him.”
He nods as we reach the railing near the steps leading down. I lean against it, thinking of the knights as they once trained here, with me among them. I gaze around, wondering innumerous thoughts as they fly in and out of my mind.
Kenji smiles to me, which grow slightly devious. “Oh, about Algernon-san. I kept watching her smiling a bit how I do with you. Are you two-“
“Let’s not talk about that please,” I interrupt, feeling my cheeks burn hotly as the fur on my tails and ears stand on end.
He laughs, “Hey, it’s obvious to me what she was thinking. I’m not saying you’re cheating on me if that’s what you’re worried about.”
I gaze up into his amber eyes. I do love Kenji, yet I’m reserved around Kerrigan. We really are close with her already making her feelings known. I just don’t know what to think.
He smiles, reaches up and cups my cheek, smoothing it over with his thumb. I blush softly as he leans in and kisses me gently, yet with a little passion thrown in. I grin as we kiss, loving every moment of it.
He then pulls back a little, staring into my eyes. “You truly are beautiful, Ariko. My Ariko.”
I grin, blushing softly. He’s being rather bold, claiming me here. Oh, if Kerrigan were watching us, I wonder if she’d get jealous. Not saying I want to start a love-feud between them, which really isn’t that fun the more one thinks about it. Plus, it can get really dangerous if it goes too far.
I then hear the sound of footsteps approaching us. I pan over to see Orga and Kateryna strolling over. My knights smile as they come closer.
“It would appear we too had the same idea, Your Highness,” says Orga. “When not training, we too would ‘patrol’ the grounds.”
I giggle, nodding. No matter where I’ve laid my head down for the past few years, it’s still a favorite pastime to simply walk around my home. My knights have done the same thing whether at the Estate or while we were in Japan.
Kateryna smiles as Kenji steps to my side out of politeness. She then looks to me, “I hope you can forgive us, Your Highness, but we did watch your little scene.”
I giggle, still blushing. I then glance up, seeing that Mom and Marron are still there and are wearing bright grins on their faces. They’re now joined by Arcturus as Mom leans into him and whispers something. He grins, nodding slowly as he looks to me. I don’t see Silvi or my aunts, wondering where they went off to.
Orga smiles to me. “Kateryna and I cannot begin to thank you enough for allowing us to come home once more. While it was cold at first, it soon went away thanks to Miss Marie.”
Marie really worked like a maniac to repair and even upgrade some of the heating systems in the manor. All the while she worked; she wore a massive grin on her face. She’s the best tinkerer I know and revels in anything mechanical, and not just because she’s an automata.
I even had to crawl into some of the spaces to help out, seeing how I have some knowledge of their workings. The mana systems for the estate have always been a little temperamental; sometimes needing a slight “nudge” to cooperate. And when I mean nudge, I mean slamming it with a hammer.
I smile, “We needed to.” I sigh, gazing at the terrace. “I just wish the others were here.”
Orga nods, “I agree, Your Highness, we need to enjoy these few quite moments as the storm is approaching.” He then also turns towards the terrace, it still even has remnants of past training sessions.
“I miss them as well,” he continues, only to look back to me. “If you will excuse us, Your Highness, I think we will let you and your betrothed be.”
My cheeks flare hotly as they grin and turn before I can say anything. Gah, they really know how to push that button.
Kenji grins, looking to me. I peer up, seeing a few thoughts running through his mind. “So, what would you like to do?”
I take a breath, letting myself calm down. I smile, “We need some time together, and not just here.”
He smiles, stroking my arm. “Where would you like to go?”
I grin, swishing my tails. “Oh…there are a couple places I’d like to take you.” Some that really meant a lot to me.
I then see Le’nia walking over to us. She’s seems happy. “Sorry to disturb you two, but Aria, I received a report that something is coming. Two massive flights of dragons.
I grin, feeling excited. “They’re here.”
She smiles and nods as we turn and head for the main courtyard.
As I exit out onto the front deck, I see Ddraig flying with another massive green dragon. It’s nearly the size of my grandfather, yet I get the feeling I know who it is. They seem to be talking to each other, yet they’re still a bit too far out for me to hear them.
I smile with excitement the closer they get, ready to simply burst out there and meet them.
“I still do not know why you asked me to come here first,” touts the green dragon. His voice is booming, deep, yet I can sense a scholarly tone to it, one I recognize. “I should have traveled with my clan to our home.”
Ddraig grins, “Trust me, old friend, our purpose here is with good reason.”
His companion sighs, nodding.
As they land, the green dragon soon assumes his half-form. I transform into a human and grin happily as I see who it is, Lord Ashlan. His emerald scales have darkened slightly, yet still sheen. He’s even sporting a rather handsome beard denoting an aged scholar. He’s even dressed in a more modern version of the robes he wore while teaching.
Behind him, Ddraig lands in the courtyard, which still amazes me at how comfortably the ancient dragon is able to fit and move around without fear of smashing into anything. He smiles as he gazes at the estate.
Ashlan looks around, taking in a long deep breath, now smiling. “I can’t believe it’s been centuries since I last stood here.” He then sighs, “I miss those who called this place home. Such old and dear, sweet friends.”
Ddraig nods, yet grins unbeknownst to him.
“Lord Ashlan!” I call out.
The old dragon turns and gazes at me in shock. His eyes grow wide as his mouth is agape. “Is…is it truly you?”
I grin, hopping down the stairs and walk to him. “It’s been a long time.”
He too starts to walk to me, as shock is replaced by relief as I then throw myself into him. He holds me tightly, however still surprised.
“You cannot imagine how happy I am to see another of my students alive, Miss Aria,” he says, peering down at me. “I never suspected you weren’t from our era. Although I knew something was off, even implementing a theorem that wouldn’t be created for 150 years.”
I grin, nodding. “Well…your problem was something I had seen before and I did it without thinking.”
He chuckles, pulling back slightly. I hear the wingbeats of another dragon as I see Tanith landing yet still in his full form. I grin as he smiles to me. A hand then rests on my shoulder as I see Le’nia standing next to me.
Ashlan looks to us all, beaming with pride. I sigh softly, knowing that we may be the last of his students from here. It’s an odd yet solemn feeling.
He then looks back to me. “I also would have never imagined that you were a daughter of Shyair. Again, the signs were all present, with the wolves acting so protectively of you, being far more affectionate and loyal than to the other houses. Finally I never took true note of your eyes.”
I smile, “That and so much more. I was the fox spirit.”
His eyes grow wide as he stares at me. I know it’s a lot to take in, knowing how “The fox spirit” is a part of Dewlouran history in its involvement in the Fall. He then looks up as I hear heavy padding coming towards us. I pan over to see Fenris and Athena strolling over.
Again Ashlan looks to my wolf father as he stands next to me while Athena nuzzles my face.
“Incredible,” he says. “The fact that both of you are here, when I know for a fact I saw you both that day in Court. Then a month later, you both appear in school, yet your wolf was the very same black wolf. Truly astonishing, yet shattering.”
Fenris bows his head to my old teacher. “It is good to see you again. I did enjoy your lessons with my daughter.”
Ashlan stares at me and then at Fenris. He smiles, nodding softly. He then grins, as he’s no doubt recalling the mischief Leto and Nelly would sometimes finds themselves in. I still remember having to calm them a couple times when they got a little too antsy.
I grin as I stroke both of my wolves. “Oh…I have homework for you.”
Both Tanith and Le’nia each look to with sheer shock and then shaking their heads smiling, even laughing. Ashlan also shares in this surprise; however he quickly straightens himself and puts on his best professorial look.
“Well, Miss Aria,” he starts, “as your teacher, I shall accept your work given the extraordinary circumstances.”
I giggle. My working on schoolwork that’s now centuries late became somewhat of a joke with Marron when I returned from the past. While she did tell me to study something, I chose to complete what assignments and papers I had remaining.
He smiles to me, taking a step back and looks me over. “A little out of dress, my young student, yet since we are not in school, I shall let it go.”
I grin, “Always with a quip.”
He grins, “But of course. You are a proper lady of Shyair, no matter the era we are in.”
I smirk, and then lean back a little into Le’nia. “What do you think would’ve been like if the Fall never happened? If my life here was longer?”
He smiles, beaming a little with pride. “You would have flourished under my tutelage, you and your classmates. You already possessed an incredibly keen mind, and I have no doubt of you becoming a prominent and top tier student. I know several student organizations were already scouting you to join.”
I grin, “Everyone here seemed to love planning out my future.”
He smiles, folding his arms behind him.
Veylana herself was talking about having me join the student council as her understudy. I really had no plans myself and might have just gone along with it.
I then recall something that Tanith told me yesterday. I look up to him, “I heard you came and took away the wolves.”
He nods as more appear. My teacher seems pleased to see so many present. “Her Grace, requested that my clan take the pack to safety. She mentioned that one would come and be their new caretaker. So we happily did so, trusting in her wisdom.”
I nod, looking to the Leto and Nelly along with a few others. She really did plan out nearly everything for me. I sigh softly, missing her even more. I know she thought me ready for such a task, given it’s not because it’s my birthright, but because she had faith in me.
I peer up at the massive crimson dragon as he looms over us all. I grin at him, “Hey Grandpa, thanks for coming.”
He grins, leaning over and nuzzles my face. “Hello, my dear granddaughter. I am happy to be here for you and my family.”
Ashlan looks at us, and then sighs, pinching his nose. “Of course you’re a part of Colburn. A coven known for being troublemakers if given the chance. And you, my dear, ranked among the top of them.”
I grin, “Hey, we’re not that bad.”
He chuckles, and then looks playfully stern to me. “Young lady, I could tell you stories about your coven’s antics that might say otherwise.”
I giggle. Granted...I know a few myself already.
“Well hello there, Ashlan,” I hear my mother calling out. “I see you have met my daughter.”
He looks to me and shakes his head, “Now I discover you’re Rivenfeld’s daughter. It all makes even more sense.”
I grin. He sighs and smiles looking to her. “And hello to you as well, Rachel. Your daughter and I were merely catching up.”
She tilts her head, “Oh please don’t tell me you knew her here as well?”
You almost make it sound like it’s a bad thing, Mom. Honestly.
He grins, “Indeed, my Lady. She was one of my students. While mostly being a quiet and studious pupil, she still was known for her fair share of relatively minor hijinks.”
Mom looks to me, “I do apologize for her any mischief she caused while under your care.”
He chuckles, “Think nothing of it. I rather found them to be amusing.” Ashlan looks to me, “Your daughter lived up to her House’s reputation, even honoring it alongside her cousin, whom I swore was more like a sister to her.”
I blush, sighing softly, now missing Veylana even more. She really looked out for me while I attended school. We often hung out together and grew close as sisters.
Ashlan smiles softly to me. “As much as I have enjoyed our reunion my dear, I must go. I cannot thank you enough for allowing my clan and I to return home.”
I smile, nodding to him. “I might come to the Acadenora soon.” It’s a place we all cherished deeply as we share it.
He grins brightly, “I shall be there.” He then steps back and bows to us before taking off towards the city.
Tanith smiles to me, “I’ll be there as well.” He then looks to Le’nia, “Your house has arrived. A couple of my clansmen are escorting them to your home.”
She nods, “Thank you, Tanith.” She looks to me, giving me a squeeze before letting go and climbing onto him. I watch as he unfurls his wings and flaps them, slowing taking off and flying after his father.
Mom smiles, then looks to me, “So, what do you like to do next?”
I look to her and then Kenji. Now, one might think that with a massive battle looming on the horizon you might want to strategize for it. However, the truth is that we don’t have enough people to fight at the moment and they are constantly streaming in. I might also be a little naïve in thinking that Regulus might not sent assassins after me. Yet I know he really wants to kill me himself.
I smile, “I think I’m going to head into the city.” Mom nods cautiously as does Kenji.
I smile and hop onto Athena with Fenris motioning for my boyfriend to get on. He nods slowly as he climbs onto my wolf’s back. I grin, knowing he might as well get used to it more.
“Be careful, love,” says Mom.
I smile and nod, directing Athena towards the front gate and the four of us all bolt for it.
As we travel through the forest, I feel a massive sense of loss as I can only remember the massive shading from the trees as they soared over us. I can’t sense any form of life at all, nothing. I used to feel calm and peaceful whenever we ran home from school or even just visiting Tyrion and his family.
When we transition in the outskirts of the city, I find it empty and completely quiet. I sigh softly, still recalling vibrant and full of life the streets once possessed. As we pass by one of my favorite markets, I can still hear the sounds of people going about and making their daily purchases. I used to love the dried fruit I’d buy here on my way to school, there was even a stand that sold the best jerky you could ever find.
The further into the city we go, the more pain I feel as there is no life whatsoever. I pan around, seeing all the usual sights, the buildings and the various gates I’d travel on the daily. I look up, gazing at the truly massive trees, now barren. I really hope one day to see this city come alive again, to be filled with such vibrancy that it would be the envy of the world.
When we approach the gates to the first tier of the citadel, I try not to see where the wolves sacrificed themselves in order for Celes and I move on. It just hurts too much to even look.
As we race through the second tier, I feel a twinge in my heart, seeing the market where we fought Critias and where the Fall truly began. There’s still so much pain mixed in with the happy memories that I’m sorting through. For now, I need to focus on my time with my boyfriend.
I still think the world of the citadel, the wondrous shops Ilia and Sofia dragged me into, the lovely café I’d hang out in after school. I still remember watching the rails and gondolas ferrying people throughout the city. Yet now…quiet, dead. This isn’t what Dewloura should be.
I gaze up, shocked to see the floating isle still hovering in place. One might think they would have crashed into the ground below, yet somehow they’re still up there. I even see the Isle of Nikol, the very isle that Celes wanted to take me to that fateful day.
As we finally arrive at the gate to the crystal gardens, I smile bright as I resume my kitsune form, feeling happy to walk around this place without worry. I slide off of Athena and walk on ahead as I’m soon joined by Kenji.
I sigh softly as we venture deeper in. Of course the tiny streams that flow through the park have dried up, and the crystal lamps are dark and empty.
“This is a place where many would come to relax,” I start, “much like any park today.”
Kenji nods, “Were only the nobility allowed here?”
I shake my head, “All Dewlourans were allowed pretty much anywhere on the citadel except for the third tier. As that was where the palace and the residences of the Houses of the citadel reside.”
He nods, still in awe at how easily I speak of it all. I grin, as this was my home and I felt a calling here after a month. I became a part of this city, one of its people. Over time I think I merely accepted that I wasn’t returning to the present.
I look around, seeing the tree I used to love sitting under and was possibly the only place in the gardens remote enough for me to transform comfortably. I grin, recalling the day I simply sat under it and sketched. I didn’t have a care in the world, feeling at peace here.
I then spot a particular bench, one that holds an incredible amount of significance for me. I smile, strolling over to it. “This was where Celes and I became sisters.”
He looks to me, “I still think it’s strange how your ancestor became your sister.”
I giggle, nodding, “I said the exact same thing.” I then sit down onto it and gaze out onto the city. Kenji sits next to me, wrapping his arm around my body. I smile, leaning into him.
I sigh softly. “Oh how you should have seen this place,” I start. “Even from up here, you could see how bustling it was. Rail trams snaking their way through the city. Dragons, gryphons, harpies, all were flying in the air.”
“With you being to only kitsune in the entire city,” he says.
I grin, nodding and look up at him. “One of the reasons this particular park was popular is that at twilight, the sacred crystal would harmonize with the lamps here and actually sing.”
He smiles, stroking my arm. He knows I’m rambling on and on about this place, but I don’t think he minds. He’s learning more about me and this city is a part of me.
I sigh softly, “This was my home. It may be again soon.”
He smiles, scooting closer to me. “Do you have any plans after this? I mean, for the future.” He then looks to me. “Possibly marriage?”
I grin, feeling my cheeks burning as he’s no doubt getting it from Orga’s comment. “I think we’re a little too young to be thinking that far ahead.” I then lean up into him, “I still recall your mother saying the same thing and you scolding her over it. Even your father shared the sentiment before I left Japan.”
He smirks, nodding. “True. Perhaps I’m turning into my parents faster than I thought.”
I smile and turn, gazing out on to the city. “However, I do think about it. Us together forever.”
He smiles, wrapping his arm around me.
I peer up at him, “What about you?”
He nods, stroking my arm. “I do plan on going to university, perhaps majoring in something that will aid the village. Maybe marine biology or something along those lines.”
I smile, always the fisherman. He loves the sea, having grown up near and on it. His family have always been fishermen, and even his little brother longs to go out with his father and uncle.
“There’s no doubt they miss us,” I say softly.
He nods, holding me close to him. “We’re children of Ashogihaga.”
I grin, “I’m the child of many.” It’s a vastly true statement. I’m a daughter of Colburn, adopted child of Ashogihaga and now a child of Dewloura. So many have come to claim me as their own.
He nods, leaning over and kisses the top of my head. I smile softly.
We stay there for a while, with me talking more about my time here. I talk about so many topics, ranging from simply going out and exploring the city to even when Celes and I rode down the canals together. All the while, both Fenris and Athena lie on the stone walkways, either keeping a weathered eye on us or to simply enjoy being together.