Chapter 30: 1-29: The Other Candidates

Quaza arrived early as she said, too early for me to have even thought of waking up yet. So, she had to wait outside our door as Hayli and I quickly got ready, not really wanting to go with her but also not wanting to risk angering her.

Hayli held onto my arm as we exited the room to a very impatient looking Quaza.

"You two take too long."

"Sorry, I enjoyed Terra too much yesterday, so she's a bit exhausted." Hayli replied.

"Good for you. Now come on, the others aren't going to be free all day." She motioned for us to move forward.

"What others are you exactly talking about?"

"Other Candidates. I want to show off my prizes." She looked directly at Hayli as she said that. "No response?"

"Sorry, a bit tired from last night also. She's mine, or whatever." Hayli said, stumbling along. Quaza looked at us both with a slight hint of worry on her face and then picked up the pace.

We continued on, following Quaza through the busy streets. Demons and humans alike stared at Quaza as she passed, clearing the way before her like water from oil. I watched as people gave the slightest bow or curtsey as she went by without her even acknowledging any of them at all.

We soon arrived at a cafe. Quaza told us to wait while she ordered some bagels and coffee. She didn't want us to fall asleep apparently.

"Plus, Lili is going to be meeting us here." She said going in. And as if summoned by the sound of the door closing the redhead appeared and sat down at our table.

"Hey Quaza's Shields." She greeted us.

"Hey, not top Candidate." Hayli greeted her back.

"Oh, rude. I like to think I'm the nicest of all the candidates."

"Ignore her, she's still on edge over Quaza." I explain.

Hayli growled, "I am not. I'm just tired from last night."

I rolled my eyes, "Yes, yes. You sure are."

"So, she called you along to?"

"She did tell you what she wanted to do right?"

"Show us off."

"Yep. All seven candidates are in town. Me, Quaza, Olli, Vea, Dryalia, Astai, and Lyre."

"So only one guy?" Hayli asked.

"Uh... well, Lyre's grandfather would hate me saying this, but Lyre prefers Caela. As in she's like you, just hasn't found time to get a potion. She only dresses properly after she's done training- so don't call her that if she's in Lyre mode, okay?"

I nod.

Quaza arrives with a tray of drinks and bagels, which we enjoy whilst chatting.

"So, my Terra, tell me, how many of Heroes are on the island?"

"Why?"

"I heard the Council attacked, was wondering how it went."

"Two heroes and their shields died."

"So, with your cute little girlfriend that would be... five on the island?"

"Four, one never showed up." It was actually three, if we were being technical. 

"I see. Seems we have quite the unfair advantage this cycle, Lili."

"Yep. Getting more territory in the negotiations is almost guaranteed. I can't wait to visit Vordarton without people charging me extra."

Quaza smiled, "Yes, that will be nice. Speaking of Heroes, how is your brother?"

"As well as he can be."

Quaza chuckled, "That bad, huh? Now, Hayli. I want to apologize for teasing you so. Let me make my intentions clear. I only want Terra as my servant. I am open to more, but that's up to her and you."

Hayli scowled, "Is it?"

"Well, I think it's more up to you clearly."

"How many of the candidates are single?" She asked.

"Let's see. 

"Olli is but she's straight. Lili is engaged to the Duchess of Farouti. Vea, Dry, Astai are in a polycule. Caela is the only one to worry about." Hayli seemed to be doing math on her fingers. "Why would I need to worry?"

"Oh, when Terra was in the capital, she got a crush on her. She wouldn't remember seeing as she was in full armor, but Caela was the kid who helped distract my mom as we saved Vern after his disguise got compromised."

Hayli nodded, "I am fine with you now speaking as Terra's partner but speaking as a Hero I will be keeping my eyes on you until the ritual."

"That is understandable, Hayli." She motioned for her to lean in closer and whispered something in Hayli's ear. 

Lili looked at me and I looked at her and shrugged as we finished off our breakfast in silence for starting off again towards the castle.

Soon we arrived at a large white gate with two heavily armored guards posted in wooden outposts on either side. The right guard was stood on full attention, the left was sleeping upright in his chair. It was honestly how impressive his positioning was, it took until you got up close to even notice he was asleep at all. On the side of the road was an outhouse, clearly for guard use. I decided it was also for Terra use and snuck in to piss really quick, keeping an eye out from a large knothole in the side of it.

"Lady Quaza. Welcome back, your highness. You as well, Lady Lili." The right guard greeted Quaza.

"Thank you, Vill." Quaza curtsied.  Lili just stood there.

The guard noticed Hayli and eyed her with suspicion. "Lady Quaza, Lady Lili, did Ilyah shrink?"

Lili laughed, "No, no. This is just her cousin, Hayli. You can tell from her lack of horns."

"I have horns." Hayli scoffed, making her antenna stand up.

"Those are antenna." Lili said in a monotone.

"Where do those even come from?" Asked Quaza, staring at Hayli's head.

"Very good, I take it she's a guest?" 

I got finished and opened the door.

"Yes."

He nodded and was about to open the gate when he saw me walking up. He pointed his spear at me. Then spoke, "Who is this human?"

Quaza answered for me. "A friend and a guest. An honored guest."

He lowered his spear. "And her name?"

"Terra."

"Very well. I will register both in the guard log." He walked out of his box and cranked a wheel the opened the large gate doors upward, allowing us to sneak through.

Lili dashed on ahead, telling us she would catch up at the luncheon. I meanwhile stared at the very impressive garden that lay before us, pristine except for where Lili had just recently trampled, cursing gardener's words following close after her. It was impressive, Callie would have enjoyed it a lot if she was here. Ulther too, the dirt probably looked delicious to him. 

Quaza led us towards some hedges, guiding us deeper and deeper into it. The green walls soon became specked with vines and flowers, and the calls of birds- once unnoticeably absent from the ambient noise- came to grace our ears. The stone path was littered with leaves and sticks that crunched under out feet as we walked, announcing to everyone that we were coming. Hayli was humming along to the birdsongs as she pulled my forward, as I was prone to try and stare at a flower or a bird and without Hayli would have gotten lost at one of the intersections. Quaza said nothing as she guided us, and soon we came upon an open area with a gazebo and tables. At one were three demonesses, one with dark purple skin, bright curly purple hair and a single bright blue spiral horn in the center of her head, one with green skin and black hair tied in twintails with two short downward curving horns, and one with pale pink skin, orange hair and three thin and long horns that curved over her hair to the back of her head. (How did she comb that?) They were chatting among themselves as we arrived, immediately ceasing their conversations as the saw Quaza.

"Vea, Dryalia, Astai. Good morrow."

"Good morrow, your Highness." The purple one answered. "A lovely day."

"Yes, Dry, it is."

"Pray tell, your Highness- what brings you to visit us in our garden paradise?" Asked the one with short horns.

"Bragging, mostly, my dear Vea."

The last one, who by process of elimination was Astai noticed the two of us behind her, "And who are they?"

"Oh? Let me introduce you." She motioned to Hayli. "This is Hayli Reiland von Orache Summer, cousin of Ilyah and Hero."

"I can see the resemblance." Noted Dryalia.

"And the human?"

"Oh, that is my future servant. My childhood friend. Terra Atlusia Thornell. Shield of Vern Alvis Thornell, and slayer of my Grandfather."

"So, if she's going to be serving you, I get why you feel safe with her being her, but the Hero?" Asked Vea glancing at Hayli.

"She's dating her. Package deal for me."

"I understand. Very impressive your highness. I'd be more impressed if she wasn't clearly a bottom." Astai said looking at me.

"If she had wanted to, she could have tried to fight me. Probably would have done some damage before ending up dead."

"And she didn't. As I said."

"Asty, those are brave words coming from you." Dryalia said.

"Yeah, you're our bottom." Added Vea.

"How do you think I know what she is?"

The other two laughed.

"I will leave you to your morning. I have to show these two off to Caela."

"Will Ahrl be okay with these two?"

"He will be, after Terra beats Lyre."

"I see. Good luck, girl." Astai winked at us.

"So, humon, any chance you'd leave the human?"

"No."

"Shame." Vea sighed.

We left them to their chatting following Quaza as we went down a new section of the hedge maze.

"What does bottom mean?" I ask Hayli.

Hayli laughed and refused to answer me when I asked again. 

"So, how are you at fighting?" Quaza asked me.

"Good enough."

"That wasn't an answer."

"I could perhaps survive three minutes verse Ulther in a duel."

"That's better than I thought. Very well. I will go in first with Hayli. Ahrl and 'Lyre' can be violent when it comes to humans. Let me and her spar first, while you get in some armor. I don't want to risk that one recognizing you. It would ruin how funny it will be after she comes back after changing in an attempt to confuse you and she sees Terra waiting for her instead of the non-descript knight."

"I'm glad to see you still have the worst humor." I remark.

"And who was it who always laughed at my pranks on her brother and sister?"

"I was laughing at the reaction, and pranks and jokes are two entirely different spheres, Quaza."

Hayli spoke up, "Ahrl? Isn't that the name of a former Lord?"

"Arhl the Undying. Three hundred years old and now just a training instructor for us Lord Candidates. Please act surprised if he does his head removal thing."

"His head removal thing?" Hayli raised an eyebrow.

"You'll see if he does it."

We soon arrived at a grey stone building, roughly the size of a cottage, with barred iron windows and a single oak door. Beside it was an armory shed, a bit taller than the ones Ulther had gotten built around the duchy. Quaza took Hayli by the hand and led her inside the grey building while I went inside the shed. I looked around at the armor sets and chose the cheapest looking one that fit me that didn't have holes in the head for horns.

After spending too much time figuring out how to get the chest plate on without it hurting like hell, I put the helmet on and looked for weapons. I considered using the knife from the ruins, but I really didn't want to risk breaking it in what should be nothing more than a sparring match. I grabbed a short sword and very carefully tied the sheath it came with around my waist before leaving the shed and walking over to the window to spy. 

To the spot nearest me, laid Lili, yawning as she watched the figures in front of her sparring. Quaza had her hair tied back in a high ponytail, sweat glistening off her skin. She held a pair of daggers in each hand, panting as she watched her opponent, a grey-haired demon with red curved horns wearing very out of date armor. He held a curved short sword in his hand and seemed like he had barely been fighting. Quaza lunged forward, only to have her left arm grabbed and her right blade blocked out of her hand.

"That is enough for now, Princess Quaza."

"Thank you, Sir Ahrl." She bowed.

"Yes. Now, Lyre. Line up."

From the left side of the arena walked over a demon with short platinum blonde hair with a pair of horns that originated from the back of the head and twisted around the sides to meet in the middle of the forehead, creating what could be said to be a heart if one looked at it hard enough.

"Yes, grandfather." His voice felt like he was trying to recreate his own voice from memory. He wore a cocky grin and he stood, leaving on his zweihander.

"I want you to spar against the Princess's guest."

Hayli walked over, a guisarme held in her left hand. 

"Should I go easy on her?" Lyre asked Ahrl.

"No, she is a Hero after all, and you are a candidate. Would be quite the poor impression if she were to beat you so easily."

"Understood." Lyre shifted his stance. "Lyre Eutrudie Salvear, it is an honor to spar against a personal guest of her Highness."

"Hayli Reiland von Orache Summer." She widened her own stance and pointed the tip of the strange spear like weapon towards Lyre.

"As before, no magic. Fight ends if one yields or is unable to fight or is a weapon is knocked from the hand and lands on the ground. Now, begin."

Hayli began poking towards Lyre who was staying out of her range while slowly circling her. Hayli pivoted along with his movement, not letting him get away from her front. Lyre held the zweihander parallel to the ground in the middle of his chest. And then as Hayli poked again, he swung the blade up knocking the guisarme upwards as well, Hayli barely hanging on to it as she started to fall towards the floor. In that moment he dashed forward and pointed the tip of his sword at Hayli's neck and she lay on the haycovered ground.

"Yield?"

"Yes."

Lyre grinned and bowed.

Ahrl shook his head, "It would make sense a guest of Quaza would be as poor with weapons as her. I take it you also specialize in magic?"

"I'm a Water Dragon, would be odd if I didn't."

Ahrl seemed to be surprised by that. "Quite a rare species for a humon. I can see why the Oracles wanted you to be a Hero."

Hayli bowed and moved over to rest beside Lili.

Quaza clapped her hands and looked towards me. I took that as a signal and made my way to the door and swung it open, loudly clanging in as I walked like an idiot, not used to this much armor or it weighing as much as it now did with my new body.

Ahrl and Lyre turned to the door and stared.

"Is that a human?" Ahrl asked, looking at my head.

"Is it Nox?" Lyre questioned.

"Too short. Plus, he is clearly unused to armor." Ahrl stated. I wanted to yet the sword at him but held off, I was in full armor meant for a masculine body.

"State thy name human."

I looked over at Quaza who mouthed, "Fuck with them."

I mentally shrugged, lowering my voice as well as I could "I am Sordi's killer. Sibling of the Hero Vern Thornell. Sibling of the fallen Hero Avery Thornell. Sibling of the Hero of Salisbridge, Ulther Thornell."

Ahrl nodded, "So, the killer of the grandfather comes to finish off the granddaughter. Fair, seeing what we did. Eye for an eye is the way of revenge. However. Lyre, if you would. Defeat them. But leave them alive. Honi wants an execution if my memory serves."

"Yes, grandfather." Lyre picked up his Zweihander and pointed it at me. "I take it I can use my magic?"

"Wind only please, I don't want to explain why the training yard burned down again."

"I wasn't going-" Lyre stopped, his fake voice had cracked at the end. He coughed and continued, "Nevermind. Now Thornell. I suggest you lay down your arms, so I don't risk killing you."

"I am not one to die at the hands of a dead man."

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"And what does that mean?"

"We are the same you and me. I would suggest you lower your blade. I sincerely doubt you could match my eldest brother."

"Enough talk."  Jumped and swung his blade down at me. I sidestepped and drew the sword at my side.

I held it in my left hand, holding it like how you should hold a dagger or knife. I could see Lyre get pissed as he saw me do so. He swung at me wildly as I parried each blow. It was surprisingly easy, though he was clearly not striking with any purpose. After the fifteenth parry he disengaged and changed his stance.

"Are you trying?" I asked.

"Coward. Stop parrying."

"Make me."

He took a deep breath and swung down his blade nowhere close to me. I barely managed to avoid the blade of wind that came from the slash. Lyre grinned as he began to swing wildly at me, wind slashing behind me as I ran as fast as my overladen legs could carry me. Soon one struck me in the side slightly denting my armor. I was very glad it was slightly large on me, or it may have actually hurt me. I turned to face Lyre, bending my neck to dodge a slash aimed at my head.

"Seems more cowardly to camp out with magic."

Lyre stopped and replied, "Then fight back with your own magic."

"Don't have any."

"Then take mine and be defeated."

I chuckled. I could probably risk a few without the mark doing anything especially at the level of magic Lyre was firing at me. "If you insist."

Lyre began to gather wind at the tip of his blade, the dust in the air making the small funnel visible as it spun. I focused, trying to pull out that dark object that served as the only form of the 'magic' I could use without passing out and losing it. It appeared, in my palm as I cupped it away from Lyre. He cocked his arms back and swung sending the wind at me at full force. I put my hand in front of me, the wind seeming to disappear as it neared my hand. Ahrl seemed to look annoyed while I heard Lili behind me make a woah sound.

Lyre's eyes grew wide, "What?" He looked down, "Did I not properly get it to flow?"

I could feel the new wind pushing inside the dot, trying to force its way out. I grimaced as I tried to keep it inside. "Is that all?"

Lyre glared at me and began to gather wind again, this time taking another few seconds to make it even bigger and tried again. I released the wind that was in the dark dot and then a large and wild gust burst out, over taking Lyre's burst of wind and knocking both of us back and pushing up hay and dust and dirt into the air.

I could hear coughing somewhere but was at this point pretty much blind. I squinted, keeping my blade and dot hands up in defense.

"What the hell, human? You said you couldn't lose magic."

"I cannot. I did as you said and took yours."

"Fuck, it's in my mouth."

Quaza clapped her hands, "That's enough. Lyre, get changed. My guests and I will meet in the fireplace room in the main house. They need to meet the last Candidate."

"Guests?" Ahrl coughed, "I see. This one is a guest. Was that a lie when he introduced himself?"

"No. The only lie was said by you."

"I can still fight."

"Why, child? It is clear that the human would win. You were even in combat without magic and he negated the magic you did have.

"I... understand. I yield to you, Earth Thornell."

I didn't reply only coughed and looked towards Quaza as she walked towards the door. "I do hope you that you will behave if you join us, Captain Ahrl. I do not need to remind you that I do not tolerate your views."

Quaza opened the door and Hayli and I stumbled out. Lyre, covered in dust followed us.

"I am taking the larger bathroom, human. I need room to get ready to properly greet guests. A man like yourself should be fine washing off in the shower room." He glared at me bag on his shoulder

I refused to speak back, stomping behind Quaza into the mansion proper. Lyre dashed off towards a large looking bathroom, slamming the door behind him. Quaza pointed me to the shower room. I entered and a few seconds after Hayli came in, with a case of makeup and a dress for me to wear now that my clothes were sweaty and dirty, sitting on the sink and waiting as I dropped each piece of armor off of me into a pile. 

"So, what was that magic thing you did?"

"Oh, that's the power I mentioned. I think Avery named it 'Dark Surface'. It as I can use it now acts like a parallel to the most basic form of Mirror Magic."

"How so?" She asked as I stripped out of my clothes. 

I fumbled into the shower and pulled the knob out jumping back into the corner as I waited for the water to warm up, "Base Mirror Magic is what you'd think. It reflects magic, just weaker yet less likely to be disrupted. Dark Surface deletes magic, copies it in a stronger yet more prone to disruption form."

"Sounds useful."

"Sure but it hurts to hold magic and also I can barely use it before... issues occur."

"The mark?"

"Unfortunately."

"Does Vern have the same issue?"

"It would take a lot more stress and energy, but yes." I replied using the loofah to lather my body with a floral scented soap.

Hayli waited as I scrubbed all the dust and dirt off me and rinsed my hair free of the straw that was stick out from it. As soon as I got out Hayli's antenna stood up and the water began to come off me. She guided it down the drain while my body and hair soon became dry. I thanked Hayli as she pulled me over and got me ready, braiding my hair into twin tails and painting my face and hers to give us a look of aristocracy that matched the dresses we helped each other into. Hayli kissed me as I finished tying her back up.  "Shall we go?"

I nodded and walked out of the bathroom. Hayli went first, heels clacking against the marble floor. Quaza was sitting in a velvet upholstered chair, legs crossed, sipping a steaming cup of tea. I could see the white-blonde hair of some girl hanging off the back of the couch. As Hayli walked onto the rug in the middle of the room the new girl stood up and greeted her, curtseying. 

"I am glad to make your acquaintance, guest of Quaza. I am Caela. I must apologize for my earlier look; my grandfather does not support me as I want to be."

"A pleasure."

"Now where is the human, I want him to be shocked by me."

I snuck around the side of the room and sat down while Caela looked down the hall. "Shocked by what, Caela?" 

The girl snapped around, dress spinning as she did so. She stared blankly at me, cheeks slightly red. "Who is this human?"

"Oh, come now. I'm pretty sure you didn't hit your head during our fight."

"Our fight? But I was... that... w-what's your name?"

I smirked, "Terra Thornell."

She seemed to realize something and sat down back on the couch with a plop. "Lady Quaza, is... this the same Terra from back then?"

"You mean the girl who met once, got a crush on and inspired you to become Caela when she accidentally said she was a boy?"

"You didn't need to say it that way." Caela looked down.

"Well, let me more properly introduce these two. Terra is of course the one who killed Sordi. Or was. My mother agreed that if she had survived the attack and agreed or was Terra she could be forgiven- if she agrees to be my blood servant."

"I see. So, the Hero?"

"Her girlfriend. A package deal for me."

"And what do you plan to do with them Miss Top Candidate."

"Use them as Heroes use Shields. I mean taking out the Shield of the Mirror Magic Hero and someone with magic as potent as Hayli is a good start for my plan."

"Which is?"

"To quote Olli, 'A plan only works when only those you trust to not fuck it up know it.' and honestly I barely trust myself with it, let alone the other candidates like you."

Caela resigned herself to that, "I'm jealous. Getting someone cute to serve you."

"I would not say that Hayli is quite possessive."

"I am fine with Caela, she doesn't share a history with Terra like you."

"So, those rumors of... who Terra was being a friend of yours was true."

Quaza shook her head, "I openly went with her to a trade meeting with Olli, how was it only a rumor."

Caelum shrugged, "So, are you done showing off yet?"

"No, I need to show off to Olli. Is she in the tower?"

"Yes. Nox has been climbing up and down all day and tossing out some liquid into the trash pile."

Quaza nodded, "Poor girl. Caela, make sure the cooks have started cooking for the lunch in a few hours."

Caela stood up and curtsied and left. Hayli and I stood up as well. Quaza lead us down some long hallways.

"Are you sure showing up to Olli is safe?" I asked.

"She did warn us to stay away from here."

"Yes, because of me. And how long did that last?"

"Point taken."

We continued until we reached a long winding set of stone stairs that seemed to go up into infinity. Quaza began up them at a brisk pace, skipping a step with her wide gait. I struggled to keep up and it was worse for Hayli who wasn't blessed with weirdly long legs for her height like me. Eventually we reach a wooden door with a brass knocker. Quaza lifted it and slammed it hard back into the wood. The sound of locks unclicking came behind the door and it opened to reveal a dirty looking Olli. She looked at Quaza, then at us and back to Quaza then back to us.

"I see your luck is as I remember, Terra."

"It is your fault. You told me Terra was here."

"I honestly thought you had forgotten that she used that name."

"I must thank you for bringing me two Shields."

"Of course, not that I care what you do."

"Yes, that plan of yours. How is it coming."

"Would be going better if the curses worked. Or if my two assistants weren't being babies."

"You ever consider using Nox."

"No, she refuses to be involved when it comes to the island. Besides she's content to wait for you to figure out that transformation magic. How is that coming."

"Slow."

Olli coughed, "I will be down for lunch, no need to worry."

Quaza nodded as the door closed again.

"She took that well." Hayli said

"I don't effect whatever wild scheme she has." Quaza replied walking back down the stairs. We made our way back to the fireplace room and sat and idly chatted, mostly questions about what was being served for lunch. Quaza was happy to explain each dish that we didn't recognize. From freckled potato stew to Galea's Violet Roast, no dish was left to the imagination. Honestly the amount of food for a simple luncheon was astounding. If it was this much now, the Finalization Ceremony was probably going to be enough to feed a large army.

The time passed, as we talked and soon a humon maid with large fennec fox ears came in and announced to "Her Highness Quaza Honi and honored guests" that the lunch was ready. We followed her into a dining area with a table and chair set up that made the excessive chairs of the one in the Hero house seem like they were being too conservative. The polycule was already on one end of the table, while Caela sat by herself, until Quaza sat down next to her. Hayli and I sat on the opposite side of them. Next to me was Lili who was absent mindedly carving a line into the wood with her butter knife. At the other end was Olli, Nox and a pair of Humons, a boy with feathers and auburn hair and a girl with pink hair and a pair of batwings folded around the back of her chair.

Nox nodded at us and motioned at the two humons. They nodded and the winged one walked over, "Greetings, I am Morganna Lea Faere. The other one is my brother Tristan Galea Faere. It is a pleasure to meet a friend of Mistress Olli." Before returning to her seat.

The food came out and we began to fill our plates. Once every plate was full Quaza clinked her glass. 

"My fellow candidates, this is it. The last meal before finalization. I hope those of you will not be upset at your placements, and that we can work together to achieve our goals this cycle. I know that as a whole we do not match to the skills of previous Candidate groups, but the Heroes are already down four of them. If we must fight, I have no doubt we- if we work together will achieve our victory, a victory that will usher in a new age."

The demons cheered, save for Olli who stayed silent and Lili who had started stuffing her face during the short speech. I began to dig in, picking off anything that looked weird and given them to Lili who told me that she would take anything I didn't want. Hayli had her plate filled with every possible seafood dish, sharp teeth grinding everything as she messily at the pile on her plate. I scooted slightly away from her, slightly scared she might bite me if I got too close. 

"So, Terra. Are you prepared for tomorrow night? When you shall be tied to me by blood?"

"No. Quaza, in what world would I be ready to drink blood?"

"Blood and wine. And it's fine. Blood is quite tasty."

Lili interjected, "Humans don't usually drink blood raw. Even most demons don't."

I scrunched my nose, "What do you mean raw?"

"Like blood sausage."

"That's animal blood."

"It is? Oh, I should tell my little duchess that fact. Would probably help her cooking."

I bit into a roll stuffed with some kind of meat, "And does Hayli need to do a ritual?"

"I trust her to want to keep you safe- and that means at my side and not escaping to try and help that brother of yours."

Hayli grunted in affirmation as she continued to eat.

"And you're not worried about Olli's plans on the island? Would they affect you?"

"Oh? Are you worried about me?"

"N-no. I just don't want to deal with a fight between you two."

"If it involves the Heroes, that is fine. My plan works no matter what she may think she could do."

I nodded and went back to my meal. I was going to go along with the ritual. That was the easiest choice. I also didn't want to get back to the island, if it involved working with Olli. I didn't know what her plan was, but I didn't want to be involved. If I needed to help my brother out, I could do so after the other left the island with their fake memories in their head. That was all, it wasn't like I wanted to spend time with Quaza again, like when we were friends.

After the meal was over, and after eating a desert of ice cream and cake, Olli pulled me aside.

"Nice job listening."

"Your fault."

"Yes. I am sorry for getting you involved like this. Well, I guess you'd be involved in my plan if the Ancient didn't nearly kill you."

"I assume you won't tell me your plan?"

She shook her head, "No, dear. I will tell you this. I won't be considered a Candidate if my plan is successful."

I cocked my head, "Really?"

She put a finger to my lips, "That's all the information I'll tell you. Don't want to ruin the surprise. By the way, blood goes down easier if you hold your nose." She walked away.

Caela walked over to me, goblet of wine in her nicely manicured hand, "You. You drank one of those potions, right?"

I nodded.

"Did it... hurt?"

"No. It does make you pass out, so I'd recommend doing it somewhere soft."

Caela nodded sagely, "Thank you. Your girlfriend will need to watch out as soon as I get one." She winked at me before walking away.

Lastly Nox came to talk to me. 

"Terra."

I smiled, "Nox."

"I hope you don't want to leave Quaza again."

"I prefer being alive, Nox."

"You have always been prone to making bad decisions, Terra."

"Have I?"

"Oh. Olli told us many tales when you were recovering. It is honestly impressive that you haven't died yet."

"That is just another part of my bad luck."

Nox seemed upset by my little joke, "Just stay on the safest path, please. I do not need to see needless death."

I went to where my girlfriend and future owner were waiting, chatting with Lili.

Quaza told us that she'd pick us up for the party tomorrow night and handed Hayli tickets to a play for the next afternoon, so we had something to do. Hayli said something about still not really liking her but smiled as she looked at them. I was clearly being forced into watching a play again. 

Hayli and I said our goodbyes, walking back into the town and made our way back to the hotel around five. After an hour or two of just lazing on the bed, Hayli went to take a bath while I closed my eyes. Tomorrow was the finalization of the Lord Candidates, huh. 

A thought then crossed my mind, the Prophecy would also be finalized the day after that. I hoped it wouldn't cause any issues for me. I really didn't want to have to legally try and start a fight if it went, "All Heroes and Seconds must fight to the death" like the seers were prone to do.

I relaxed and let my mind clear and drifted off to sleep.

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