'Wavelength...'
'An aggregation of soul components and emotions, along with several unknown factors. Through it, all powers and techniques are given life.'
Cole stared blankly at the rotating ceiling fan as he sat. Gothel laid beside him on a resting bed, still unconscious. Since transferring her soul from the tree to the Homunculus, Cole hadn't left her side.
The Old Woman disappeared soon after the rescue. She was neither found nor seen. Three days had passed, and life in Sant Flores had practically returned to normal.
The tree still locked away some of Gothel's wavelength, meaning its power as a guardian remained despite its escaped prisoner.
Cole wasn't expecting things to end up so well; through the many struggles he endured, hope had dwindled like a weak flame. A sense of satisfaction gently brushed his chest.
'I'm glad I didn't quit.' He gazed at Gothel.
The Homunculus's green, curly hair had turned into black, straight strands reaching down to her waist. The Homunculus also seemed to adapt in shape and appearance per user, truly a piece befitting of the Potter's claim.
'Gothel was probably in her twenties before she got sealed.' Cole couldn't help but notice her adult figure.
A week passed, and Cole still sat there observing her, yet she showed no signs of consciousness. Contradicting thoughts bubbled in Cole's head, but he popped them and remained patient.
"Hng..." Gothel groaned softly as her eyes, lips, and fingers twitched.
Cole gaped at the realization. "Doctor!"
His loud voice, as he tried to call for help, disturbed her warm rest. Gothel parted her eyelids, revealing a weak set of enlarged pupils. Once she was awake, Gothel immediately pasted a heated glare onto Cole.
Cole felt the air around his neck change from the tension; he calmly faced her, and they exchanged awkward glares.
"Who are you?" Gothel asked, her tone frail.
Cole stretched a soft smile. "I'm your older brother."
"Lies!" Gothel burst out. "I heard my brother's heartbeat not too long ago; he came to visit me in my seal."
"Tell my brother to come back. I miss him." Gothel weakly threw a tantrum, tears hanging in her eyes.
Cole threw his arms around her, capturing her in a tight, stubborn hug. Of course, Gothel shrieked, punched, bit, and even scratched Cole in an attempt to break free, but he didn't yield.
BADUMP!
She froze. Her violent behavior subsided as Cole's heartbeat made its way to her ears. Her hands weakened and fell flat. With a choked yet desperate voice, she asked:
"What happened to you after all this time? Why did it take you so long to come for me?" Tears streamed down her face, her eyes swollen from excessive crying.
Cole didn't have the answer to that question, but for the sake of the moment and her stability, he answered, "One day I'll explain everything, but right now you have to trust me."
"Even if my face might lie, the heart within my chest always speaks the truth."
Gothel lowered her head as she clenched his shirt. "I know, my only Venerable."
Cole's heart softened at her words. Despite his simmering thoughts, Cole saw delusional glimmers—a fantasy he knew would never become reality. Though incredibly small and insignificant, a fire of hope burned within Cole... the hope that one day, he, Gothel, and his family would sit down for a nice, tranquil meal.
The situation around both their lives strongly suggested otherwise. Cole was aware of this, yet still let himself be fooled by a sister's loving embrace.
'Once this ends, it's back to square one.'
"Mr. Cole, sir," a member of the Sant Flores Red Caps interrupted. "The Mayor would like to have a word with you."
Cole turned to Gothel and patted her head. "Stay here for now; I'll be back soon." He smiled brightly. "If you behave well, I'll buy you some sweets."
Gothel nodded with excited vigor.
Cole walked toward the Red Cap and whispered, "Let's make this quick," before going out the door.
Gothel watched him leave, then shifted her focus to her new body. Her smile receded as she gazed sharply at her reflection in the mirror beside her bed.
"You wretch," she muttered with a stiff voice. "Of all the places to be revived, never in an eternity did I think it would be in your physical manifestation, how ironic."
She stared at her shivering palms. "How amazing. The Potter lives up to his name. I can't tell the difference between this and my old flesh." She squeezed her face until dark shadows drew across her forehead. "To think I'd be the one alive and well is simply hilarious, my dear Sant Flora."
"Don't fret, however. I've forsaken my ways; I only care for my brother." Her appearance and behavior reverted to something less psychotic. "Thank you for this body. I'll consider it a parting gift from you." She chuckled.
....
Cole wasn't pleased leaving the unrelated sister he'd just met alone. As he sat with crossed arms waiting for the Mayor, his foot tapped the ground impatiently.
The room was quite small, containing only an empty wardrobe and unoccupied space, illuminated by parted light passing through bars built into the roof. The room lacked windows; the ceiling bars were the only means of ventilation.
SKRRRRRRRRR
The door slid open. The man who entered was none other than the Mayor himself, wearing a white robe with gold embroidery designs. As he entered, he brought a chair along with him, placed it opposite Cole, and sat.
"Thank you for your time, Mr. Cole."
"No problem."
'Hurry the hell up!' Cole thought.
The Mayor skimmed the room with his eyes. "Do you know why I brought you here?"
"Not really."
The Mayor scratched his chin. "Sant Flores is one of the least evolved cities in the country. During its earlier years, to prevent conflict, a single family bloodline was chosen to lead the people."
Cole sharpened his hearing as he kept his eyes fixed on the Mayor.
"For years, this tradition has kept itself strong amongst our people and the authorities. Even with the advancement of individual rights and voting, we, the people of Sant Flores, abide by this tradition like a law." His thick voice echoed through the walls.
"That's where I come in. I have no children and don't plan on having any since the death of my first wife. I pondered countlessly on whether this tradition should end with me." He briefly paused, letting his words hang like a heavy presence. "Before I die or retire, I wanted to give the citizens a right to choose their next leader."
The Mayor leaned forward and pointed toward Cole. "But instead, I'd like to pass that responsibility onto you."
"Me?" Cole parted his lips in confusion.
"Yes," he answered. "That's why I brought you here, so we may discuss this privately. The people of Sant Flores are indeed stubborn folk, but with time..."
"No thanks!" Cole shut him down.
"B..B..But why?" The Mayor stretched his hand out, trying to stop Cole.
Cole gave him a quick glance. "I don't really like to indulge in politics."
Cole tucked his hands in his pockets and walked away nonchalantly. "Find someone else to do it, or let your people choose. One shouldn't entrust valuables to strangers."
Cole's words made the Mayor sit down and sink in thought. Despite his nonchalantly harsh tone, Cole's point was solid.
TAP! TAP!
Cole's mood went sour after the conversation. He couldn't fathom how someone could trust the lives of his people in the hands of a stranger like him.
'What's got you so worked up?' she asked.
'Nothing really, just heading to pick up sweets for my sister.'
'How cute!!'
'Stop that!' Cole's eyes narrowed.
'By the way, it's about time, don't you think?' she spoke in a vague manner. 'I hope you haven't forgotten our discussion.'
'I didn't. Frankly, I've already come up with a Faction name.'
'Ooooh, let me hear it, Faction Head Cole.' Her tone exposed her joy.
'I rushed it because of how much you pestered me daily. Then again, you still can't grant me any Faction Head benefits or powers. Since the pocket watch amended, I haven't been able to use your powers either.'
'One step at a time, Cole.'
Cole slapped his palm onto his face.
'Jokes aside, let me hear the name you thought of,' she pressed him more.
'Fine. I decided the name of our establishing faction will be...' He smirked boldly.
'CORPSE DIGGER!.'