Keyvarah sat by the window, staring out at the people going about their day, unaware of the happenings going on right under their noses. Would they even care if they knew? Like her father always used to say: the ignorant are the freest.
But that wasn't her problem now as she instinctively ran a hand over her stomach. She now had another life she was responsible for. More than that, June was now in her life as well. There wasn't much she cared for beyond that as her lips formed into a smile. The ignorant are the freest.
Time crawled by as she remained there, watching and waiting. She'd be ready and present when June returned to be at his service.
Some time passed, and eventually she spotted a familiar set of pink hair making its way towards the inn.
They've returned!
She leaped to her feet and rushed out of the room, ignoring her fellow Vampire still Cultivating on the bed. She flew down the hallway and stairs, arriving at the inn's front entrance in a heartbeat. Taking a moment to make sure she was presentable, she took a steadying breath before opening the door. "You've returned, Ju—"
However, it wasn't June on the other side. Instead, it was only Quin, along with two Althori she had never met, a man and a woman, and at least two dozen children, all of varying ages.
"Hello, Keyvarah. What are you doing out here?" Quin asked.
She stepped outside and moved from the doorway as her head swung from side to side, eyes searching. "Is June not with you?"
Quin handed a pouch to the Althori woman. "Use this and get yourself and the children rooms."
"Th… Th… Thank you, My Lady," the woman said before leading the children inside with the man following close behind.
"No, he's still back at the Shining Arrow Guild," Quin said, turning back to face her.
Her face fell. "Is that so?"
A distant look came over Quin's face for but a fraction of a moment before refocusing. "I can take you there. My father says it's okay if you want to join them."
Her sullen expression suddenly shifted, a radiant smile taking its place. "Really?"
Then Quin's words caught up with her racing heart. "Wait, who else is there?"
"He's with Yisha and Draxxus."
The seductive Vyshtani woman and her child? What could he be doing with them?
Her confusion must have been apparent as Quin answered her question. "He's currently training Draxxus, but I believe it to be more of just playing and spending time with him."
"Oh, right."
But why would he want to spend time with the child and his mother? Did he plan on leaving her for them? Her mind spiraled as her fear warred with her rationality, slowly winning.
A comforting smile came onto Quin's face. "He is waiting for you, expecting you'd want to join him."
She steeled herself and forced a smile onto her face. "Please. Lead the way."
Clack! Clack! Clack!
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June parried Draxxus's wild sword swings, fending off his frenzied assault with ease. He ended the telepathic call he had with Quin and fully refocused on his little play-fighting session with Draxxus.
"Haiyaa!" Draxxus shouted as he threw a massive downward swing.
He effortlessly sidestepped the attack, avoiding it entirely, and flicked Draxxus on the forehead.
"Hey!" Draxxus said, coming to a stop and rubbing the spot he had hit. "That's not fair!"
He smiled cheekily at Draxxus. "What's not fair?"
Draxxus stomped his little foot. "You were supposed to block!"
He raised an eyebrow. "Was I?"
Draxxus nodded furiously.
"I'm sorry," he said with an exaggerated bow. "I didn't know we were play-fighting instead of training."
Draxxus's mouth fell open. "But we are training!"
He flourished his wooden training sword into a reverse grip and clasped it behind his back with his free hand before leaning forward slightly. "Then can you tell me what you did wrong to earn that flick?"
Draxxus scrunched his face in thought, but eventually shook his head and gave a tiny shrug. "I don't know."
He swung his sword around and demonstrated to Draxxus. "You see here, you're making it too obvious how you're going to attack me."
He stepped forward and swung his sword down just like Draxxus had. "Now, I'm no sword-fighting expert, but I can clearly see where you aimed your attack and simply dodge it. Had it been an actual fight, I wouldn't have just flicked you." He brought his sword up and pointed it at Draxxus. "I'd have used my sword instead of my fingers."
Although his fingers alone would have sufficed for a killing blow.
"Ohhhhh. How do I make it not obvious?"
A confident smile spread across his face. "Practice. Let's start with the basics."
He demonstrated by taking a simple sword stance, with his right leg out front and his left leg back. He gripped his practice sword in front of him with both hands and brought it high before swinging it down. Wind billowed from his slash, rustling the nearby tree branches.
"Practice this swing 100 times for now."
Draxxus's eyes widened. "100!"
"Yes," he said with a nod. "There's a saying where I'm from that goes like this: practice makes perfect. We'll start with these basic swings and work our way up, okay?"
A determined gaze fixed itself on Draxxus's face. "Okay!"
Draxxus mimicked his stance, and with some minor corrections from him, he got it down. With all the fervor of a warrior, Draxxus brought his sword high before swinging it down.
"Haiyaa!"
June clapped his hands. "Good job! Now keep going and be sure to count your swings."
Draxxus gave him a beaming smile before returning to swinging his sword.
June then turned his attention to Yisha, who looked on with an affectionate smile. Their eyes met, and a blush crept onto her cheeks as he made his way toward her.
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Yisha couldn't help but smile to herself as her cub and June trained with their practice swords. No, rather than training, it looked more like they were play-fighting. The thought of that being the case warmed her heart even more.
After they finished play-fighting, June actually started her cub on what looked like sword drills. Once satisfied with her cub's performance, he turned and headed toward her.
Heat rushed to her cheeks, and her heart fluttered when their eyes met. She was aware of her growing attraction to the man. It became harder for her to resist every time he interacted with her precious cub.
The way he treated and handled himself around Draxxus suggested he was a father. She knew well that Quin was his daughter, but that was different. Nearly a grown woman, June had rescued and cared for her. His demeanor implied that he had his own offspring whom he had raised from babes.
But that was only her own assumption. And who was she fooling but herself? She, a former slave, didn't deserve to stand beside June. She would only tarnish his reputation with her presence. And she wasn't foolish enough to believe that he'd fall in love with a woman like her. She'd consider herself lucky if he desired her for carnal pleasure. Anything beyond that was but a naive dream.
June came to stand beside her, and she bowed in greeting. "Thank you for humoring my cub's selfish desires."
June frowned at her before it vanished into a smile. "It's no trouble at all."
His attention returned to her cub, and a light of adoration glimmered in his eyes.
"Do you have children of your own?" she asked tentatively. "Besides Quin, of course."
His smile waned slightly, becoming more melancholy. "I did, once."
Those three words alone hit her with the force of a dragon's breath. It left her completely speechless. The mere thought of losing her cub scared her more than anything in the world. For him to have actually experienced such a tragedy. There was nothing she could say or do that would ease his pain.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought down the mood," June said, pulling her back to the present. "Let's not dwell on such a dour subject."
He held his hand out, and a Soul Crystal appeared in it. "Why don't we start your training by Cultivating this?"
She shook her head and her hands profusely. "June! I can't accept that. You've already provided me with Soul Crystals. I can just use one of those to Cultivate."
His charming smile returned, and he grabbed one of her hands and placed the Crystal within her grasp. "I insist. Something I'm not in desperate need of is Soul Crystals. If there's anything I have in abundance, its Soul Crystals. So if that is a concern of yours, don't."
She gawked at his words. "How much do you have?"
The moment her question left her mouth, she let out a gasp before clapping a hand over it. "Forgive me; that was rude of me to ask."
June waved a hand with a hearty laugh. "Don't worry about it. But… It's more than you can imagine."
She frowned, at a loss for words. Just how rich was he?
"But enough of that," June said before nodding at the Crystal in her hand. "Why don't you get started?"
"Right."
She gazed about the small courtyard for a suitable place to sit and meditate. To her surprise, a purple blanket appeared in June's hands. He fluffed it once before laying it out on the grass before her.
"Here, you can sit on this."
She was about to refuse his offer, but the look on his face told her he'd be having none of that. So she relented, removing her boots before settling onto it. It was awkward getting into a cross-legged sitting position while still in her dress, but she managed.
She looked at June one final time, who gave her a reassuring nod. They didn't exchange any words, yet she understood him. He'd remain there, watching over her and her cub.
That reassurance alone was enough to quell any worries she may have had as she closed her eyes and dove into herself.
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Once Yisha began meditating, June returned his attention to Draxxus. A smile found its way onto his face as Draxxus counted every sword swing.
"89! 90! 91!"
Sweat flew from the boy's head with every swing. Despite that, Draxxus pushed on.
June nodded in approval of the boy's determination to complete the task he had set for him. How long had it been since he had last enjoyed such times?
Based on your memories, it has been one hundred and—
It was a rhetorical question, Sarah. I, of course, know how long it has been.
After a long pause, Sarah's voice returned with a vengeance.
I know that!
His mental laugh echoed, drawing an irked scream from Sarah.
Shut up, June!
Alright, alright. So, what are your thoughts on my plan?
Sarah sighed in exasperation.
Do whatever you will with the scheming dullard from this kingdom, but I strongly suggest you leave the progenitors of the Althori Imperium alone. You're meant to defend this reality from the Dwellers together, not destroy each other.
But that's the whole point of the System, is it not? To kill, Cultivate, and grow stronger.
Don't get smart with me, Mister! You know exactly what I mean!
Yes, ma'am. But leaving them alone is something I cannot do. You saw it as well from Perrim's memories. Quin and my existence will only ever lead to conflict with them unless you want me to bow down and submit to them, because that is the only path to peace and civility.
You don't have to kill them, though.
He frowned, confused by her recent change in behavior.
Why are you so against my eliminating a threat to our existence and peace? What's really going on, Sarah?
Silence permeated his mind as Draxxus finished his sword swings and plopped onto the grass, heaving in heavy breaths.
June walked over and grinned down at the boy. "Are you ready for more?"
Draxxus gasped before sputtering for breath.
"No… more," he said with a shake of his head.
June belly laughed before pulling the boy up into a sitting position. He pulled a pitcher of freshly squeezed juice from his spatial dimension. It was a beverage he had concocted from a fruit that looked like an eggplant but tasted like an orange.
He had found them in a Dungeon in the Repository several dozen millenniums ago. The only reason it was still fresh was because of the temporal difference between reality and his spatial dimension, which he created using Space and Time Essences. So, whatever was stored within would remain preserved indefinitely until he removed it.
Sarah's ethereal voice then returned. I'm worried, June. A Dweller had successfully corrupted Earth. The fewer progenitors there are, the fewer defenders we'll have for this reality.
He released a mental sigh. I hear you, but I cannot, in good conscience, leave an enemy in our own backyard.
Sarah sighed in response. I know. Sorry, I'm just a little shaken up after witnessing what happened to Earth.
Back in the courtyard, a cup appeared in his free hand, and he poured the purplish-green drink into it before handing it to Draxxus. "Here, drink this."
Yeah, but we did what we had to do. Besides, there's no need to worry now that I'm here, June said, returning to his mental conversation with Sarah.
Sarah scoffed at his proclamation. Don't become so full of yourself that you underestimate the Dwellers. They're not ones to be trifled with.
Yes, ma'am.
A cheeky smile then slid onto his face.
But I thought you were just an A.I., how are you capable of fear?
Oh, shut up, you. I've been a part of you for over 150,000 years. At this point, I'm as human as you are.
June chuckled at her response, and at Draxxus, who frowned at the drink he had given him. Draxxus gave it a hesitant sniff before taking a tiny sip. His eyes brightened, having tasted the sweet liquid before guzzling the drink in one huge gulp. Draxxus exhaled loudly, then burped when finished.
"Did you enjoy that?" June asked, to which Draxxus sheepishly nodded.
He flashed a brilliant smile and poured another cup for Draxxus, who beamed a smile in return. "Thank you!"
June nodded before the door leading into the Guild house opened, and Quin appeared, followed by Keyvarah. He waved them over as Draxxus got to his feet and excitedly waved his training sword. "Hi, Miss Quin, Miss Keyvarah!"
Quin came up to Draxxus and bent over to pat him on the head. "Hello to you, too, Draxxus."
When Quin moved out of the way, Keyvarah hesitated for a moment, her face a mask of unreadable emotions, before presenting a friendly smile as she popped a squat and ruffled his hair. "Hello there, little one. Are you enjoying training with June?"
Draxxus nodded furiously as he babbled about his day. Meanwhile, June moved to stand beside Quin's clone. "I noticed you returned to the inn with some guests. Is everything okay?"
Quin's eyes fell to the grass. "I'm sorry, Father. I should have conferred with you before doing any—"
However, before she could finish her sentence, he raised a hand and silenced her. "There's no need to apologize. You're a grown adult who can make your own decisions. I just wanted to know if you're okay."
She smiled with relief. "I am, Father."
He nodded. "Just stay safe and watch out for Perrim and his Inquisitors. They're harmless to us, but remember that others are in our care now, and they are vulnerable."
"Yes, Father," she said with a bow before her clone winked out of existence.
June stepped up beside Keyvarah as Draxxus animatedly explained his training. "June said it's best to start with the basics, so I swung my sword 100 times!"
"You sure did, buddy!" June said before leaning down and whispering into Keyvarah's ear so that only she could hear. "Are you doing okay?"
She turned to look at him for a moment before her lips lifted into a small smile, and she nodded. "Better now that you're here."
He returned her smile, despite being a little dissatisfied with her answer. He didn't want her to place her happiness all on him, but that was a conversation for later as he straightened and offered her a hand. She accepted it, and he pulled her to her feet.
With a lot of fanfare, Draxxus jumped in place and held his arms up to June. He looked down at the child, who pouted.
"My turn!" Draxxus said.
He threw back his head and laughed before agreeing to the child's demand. "You've got it, little man."
He picked Draxxus up and spun him mid-air to sit squarely upon his shoulders.
"Yah!" Draxxus shouted, waving his training sword.
He gripped Draxxus's legs and spun to face Yisha, releasing a gasp. "Look, Draxxus. A dragon is sneaking up on your mother! We must protect her!"
Draxxus pointed his sword towards Yisha and released a mighty roar. "Let's go, June!"
June bellowed a comically loud war cry and charged forward past Yisha before running laps around the courtyard. Draxxus's laugh resonated throughout the courtyard as June played with him. Memories of his time spent playing with Zach when he was still a child resurfaced. His heart sank at the sudden reminder of his deceased family.
For a few seconds, he embraced his grief. He should. It was a reminder of his love for his family and also kept their memory alive.
They continued to play until Yisha roused from her meditation, completing her Cultivation.
"Mamma!"
June pivoted mid-lap and strode over to Yisha, with Keyvarah trailing them. Yisha got to her feet and happily accepted Draxxus as he handed him over.
"What were you doing on Mister June's shoulders?"
Draxxus beamed up at her. "We were protecting you, Mamma! From dragons!"
A smirk slipped across her face. "Were you now?"
Draxxus's head bobbed energetically. "Ya! Come, Mamma, let's hunt some dragons!"
However, before he could do or say anything else, his stomach growled in rumbling protest.
"Looks like it's time for an early supper."
Draxxus's face fell. "But I want to hunt more dragons."
June stepped up beside Yisha and leaned in to be eye-level with Draxxus. "How about this? We'll eat and rest up for the night. It is getting late in the day. We can continue hunting dragons tomorrow, okay?"
Draxxus immediately brightened. "Okay!"
Yisha gave him an appreciative smile. "Why don't you and Lady Oltharin join us?"
He turned to Keyvarah. "Would you want to?"
Shock flashed across her face. "You want my opinion?"
"Yes, we'd both be joining."
Keyvarah turned to Yisha. "I wouldn't want to impose."
"You wouldn't be. Come, I insist."
Keyvarah hesitated for a second, her eyes bouncing between him and Yisha before nodding. "If you insist, we'd be happy to join you."
A wide grin spread across Yisha's face. "Great! Follow me."