The Soul Keeper

"How did it go?" Mona asked. 

"Better than I expected." I sighed. "We promised things to each other." A smile appeared on my lips. "We'll be fine, I think." 

Asher lightly squeezed my shoulder. "I'm glad." He said with a soft voice. "Keep her close to you, Kai. She's a brilliant young woman, and she cares a lot about you."

Theresa's chain necklace rattled as she vigorously nodded. "She really does! You were all she wanted to hear about when we were chatting earlier."

I chuckled. That was something Aoife would do.

"Uh," Laura glanced around, then continued. "I know this isn't the best time to ask, but what are you going to do about… not being fully human?" Her expression reflected her confusion and hesitation.

"What can I do?" I asked with a nervous chuckle. "It's not like I can change what I am, right? At least I'm not some abomination that looks like a half Ereth." 

Lucius chuckled. "Yeah, no horns or at wings." His smile faded away as he looked at his own hands. "No claws either," I said with a grin, then shook my head. "Alright, let's get back to the subject at hand." I stood up and walked a few steps away from them. 

"You're apparently all capable of at least sensing magic, that includes you too, Lucius." The young swordsman nodded. I continued. "Try to sense my magic, then use that to remember how you cast your own."

I raised my hand, ready to summon some of my power, but the sound of creaking stairs stopped me. I glanced towards my back to see Aoife walk down the stairs.

"I'll join." She said, her chin raised, and her expression filled with determination. "I want to learn too." She sat on the couch; on the spot I had just gotten up from. "Don't mind me," 

I hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, first of all, try to sense this." I raised my hand to my chest, and flames slowly began dancing on my skin. I kept it mild as to not accidentally overload any of their senses.

Everyone's expressions were filled with pure focus. I could see it in their eyes as they fixed their sights on the flames dancing on my skin. I strengthened their intensity as time passed, watching the group carefully, looking for that spark of joy in their eyes that would signify their success.

Hours passed with no such spark. I noticed their attention waning as they began glancing at each other. The focus in their eyes left its place to disappointment and annoyance.

"Fuck!" Theresa finally shouted. "Break! I need a break! Let's eat some stuff, then continue." 

Aoife yawned. "I'll prepare dinner," She said, then hopped off the couch. Mona was quick to follow her, and so was Theresa. "Oh, let's cook together!" She said with a cheerful grin. "I have this awesome snack I love making!"

Their voices disappeared as they entered the kitchen. I smiled, then let my flames dissipate.

"Sorry, Kai." Rina sighed and leaned on her back. "I'm of no use right now…" She grabbed a pillow and placed it on her face. "I'm so exhausted." Her muffled voice sounded.

"After dinner, we should probably call it a night." I said as I lowered myself onto the ground and sat cross legged. "Over exhausting yourselves is of no use, and I could use some rest as well."

Asher laughed out loud. "Are you sure? You don't seem the least bit tired."

I chuckled. "I just don't show it." I said as I stretched my arms. "I've been constantly moving ever since Aelith turned up too. I could use a good night's sleep."

"In that case, let's go help your sister so we can all head off to bed." Alex declared as she stood up and headed towards the kitchen. Rina soon followed her, and so did Asher. 

"Sorry," Lucius' voice sounded all of a sudden. "I honestly didn't know." 

My eyes snapped to him. "I know, no need to apologise." 

Laura cleared her throat as she scrambled to get up. "I'll help them too!" She said, but before she could leave in a hurry, Lucius caught her arm. "Please wait." He said with an almost meek voice. "You should hear this too."

I furrowed my brows. "Do I need to cloak our voices?" 

Lucius hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Please, I'd rather keep this a secret from your Mother. And Uncle."

I gritted my teeth and used my powers to hide our voices. An invisible barrier enveloped us – no one outside of it would be able to hear us.

"So, what is it?" I asked once the spell was completed.

Lucius took a deep breath. "I fear the elders are also Ereth." 

Laura seemed somewhat confused while my expression remained the same. 

"To explain," Lucius spoke, glancing at Laura. "The elders are a council of sorts who help Kai's Mother manage the Dojo and this settlement. Any decision that must be made is first consulted with them."

"Why do you think they're Ereth as well?" Laura asked after a moment. "Don't get me wrong, I'm all ready to believe you, I'd just like to know why."

"They always hide behind curtains. Their identities are never told to anyone outside of the Council. I doubt even my dad knew who they were." I clenched my fists. "It also explains why they deemed me inadequate. Because I showed no characteristics of an Ereth."

Lucius nodded. "That's what made me think so, actually. You were, by no means, inadequate as a swordsman. There is no one who can beat you who is in the same age or experience group as you. Your sister can beat you, but even she has to actually try and she's a literal prodigy with that sword."

I bit my lower lip. "Well, I could have been better, but yes, I get your point."

Laura pondered for a while. "So, why didn't you want anyone else to hear this?"

Lucius shook his head. "Well… I don't want to cause a panic, and everyone is busy trying to get their powers back anyways. I just thought Kai should know cause, well…" He chuckled. "And you should be in the loop as well, since you've got some connections that will probably come in handy once this whole thing is over."

I smiled. He had thought of everything as always.

"Kai," I heard Mother's voice echo in the halls. Her cold voice sent a shill down my spine, shattering my smile. "A word."