As Ren, Eriza and Zoey continued with their stories, the action slowly began to wane. After defeating the Prime Blight, most of their targets were easy to deal with, much to their disappointment.

That’s not to say their time out in the Purple Zone was uneventful. Rather, they’d all learned quite a bit.

Eriza’s fighting styled had taken a U-turn and become more analytical than impulsive because her impulsiveness tended to put the group at a disadvantage in battle. Because of this, her synergy with Zoey had bloomed.

Speaking of Zoey, the Water Transmuter described the spells she’d picked up as being a mix of pseudo-meta-magic requiring Eriza’s assistance and terrain modification, such as creating sinkholes made of mud. Her greatest boon was that she’d gained a greater understanding of control water with her field experience, which would undoubtedly aid her in coordinating with Iris.

Thanks to the daily with demi-humans and monsters, she’d earned a greater understanding of battlefield control and was now in higher synch with Eriza. That in turn allowed for a higher efficiency when disposing of opponents.

As for Ren, she was now basically at the level of Frontier Military Field Medic. The feeling of her positive aura leaking out was a telltale sign that her affinity had increased, and it was likely that she’d tiered up as well, given she had been to be close to tiering up anyway.

Imagining the possibility that Ren may soon be able to cast spells like Geater Restoration and Mass Cure Wounds was an eye-opening. Their party would now likely be the best of their age in the city, barring the possible 5v5 teams from the Frontier City’s top selective schools. Of them, Joseph Banks Experimental would likely have a team that powerful.

But there was one glaring issue that had been casually mentioned, almost as if the trio was hoping they wouldn’t notice.

An arranged marriage.

Such things weren’t uncommon at Lilith’s. Families were often concerned with preserving their bloodline. Because of that, many of the students at Lilith’s were forced into an arranged marriage by their parents, who were looking to gain power. As for whether or not they wanted to marry and who they may want to marry if they were given a choice, the rules were strict.

First and foremost, it was taboo for a mage to marry a NoM. Second, a talented mage was supposed to marry another talented mage in hopes of producing a child just as skilled or more capable than themself. Aside from that, the rules generally varied from family to family.

However, because the parents were usually the ones who arranged the marriages, the children had little say in what came next. The result was often a loveless marriages that one would be locked into for the rest of their life. This was to keep up appearances and produce powerful progeny. It was something to be wished upon no one.

After Eriza finished summing up their trip back from Sapporo, Luna prepared to inquire about the matter. Before doing so, she wanted to tell her friends they did a good job.

“Well done. I’m glad you all managed to survive that ordeal with the Prime Blight,” she said. “And I’m happy you all have improved so much.”

“I’m really happy for you guys,” Iris added on. “You’ve all come so far from where you were when you left. Honestly, I was honestly a bit worried about you, Zoey. I didn’t want you to get stuck behind us. That would have been awful.”

Blushing, Zoey twiddled her fingers in her lap. A nervous habit.

“I just wanted to show you your tutoring hasn’t gone to waste is all. The real credit goes to Ren and Eriza for pushing me so hard.”

“Don’t sweat it. As far as I’m concerne, all we really have is each other. If we stick together, we can make our goal a reality,” Eriza noted.

“Right. Next up is the inter-high, and with any luck we’ll be able to attract the attention of a Tier 1 university from Japan so you guys can get your answers,” Iris responded.

“I’d love for that to happen. I’ve heard many wonderful stories about my grandmother. I’d really love to meet her and her spirit. I’ve heard grandfather’s shikigami is amazing too,” Ren mused, likely remembering all the childhood stories she’d been told by her parents.

Through Iris, Luna had heard of these stories as well. Apparently, her mother’s family was the main branch of a Clan that was known for their Positive bloodline. Thanks to that bloodline, Ren was a naturally talented Biomancer and Eriza had an unusually high Lightning Affinity for her age.

There were other reasons for wanting to go to Japan as well. They’d be able to get a better tertiary education since they’d be attending a Tier 1 university. Perhaps while there they’d even attain the rank of Magus.

But that was in the future. For now, the main issue was how they would deal with the present situation regarding Zoey’s arranged marriage.

“So Zoey, what are we going to do about this situation that’s been mentioned,” the elf calmly inquired.

Their friend immediately shied away from the question by looking down at her feet, which were dangling from the side of Iris’ bed. Another nervous habit of hers. It certainly seemed like she was hoping to avoid this conversation.

The air in the room naturally grew tense. It was to be expected considering how significant the obstacle before them was.

“I… don’t know,” the girl demurely responded. “I don’t think there’s anything that can be done. If I’m lucky, father will still allow me to participate on the 5v5 team but as for leaving the country…”

Luna knew Zoey’s father was just as awful as Iris’. Both of them always seemed to have their own goals in mind and thought of their children as their possessions. The only difference between the two was the Fire Abjurer-Conjurer had more power to throw around because he was a war mage.

Talking Zoey’s father out of it wouldn’t work. If they wanted to free their friend from the chains that threatened to drag her down they would need to come up with an alternate plan of some sort.

“Given we stand a chance against Joseph Banks ESM this year, it’s quite possible the headmistress will once again intervene. While it’s already come at a cost to her to keep me and Luna here, your synergy is irreplaceable and you’re fondly looked upon around campus Zoey,” Iris commented. “She won’t idly stand by, will she?”

“I spoke with her before we left. She said she wouldn’t get involved because of how much my father has donated to the college. It would be badly damaging for Lilith’s reputation. She says she has to put the college’s best interest first. If I was as talented as Iris is there’d be no problem, but,” the Transmuter trailed off.

Great. Their headmistress was once again playing favorites where it suited her and the college. Though she’d thought the woman had changed, it turned out she was no different from her usual self and only helped Iris because it worked out in her favor. Which meant it was on them to find a way to save Zoey from the arrangement her father had set up.

“As long as we don’t go about this the way that one senior did a year and a half ago, there should be no repercussions. Worst comes to worst we get expelled. But I won’t do this without you Zoey,” Eriza assured.

The reminder of the events from a year and a half ago were still fresh in her mind. It was around that time that Ren got into trouble with one of the school’s sisters because said Senior brought greater scrutiny toward her and her beliefs. And poor Elvia Lindholm. The girl didn’t deserve what happened to her. Hopefully she ended up somewhere well off, though the odds of that were unlikely.

“Likewise. I’m not leaving you behind, Zoey,” Iris added on. “We’ve come too far to let someone stop us now. And I’m not about to leave a sister hanging.”

“I won’t abandon you either Zoey. Not after how much we’ve been through together,” Ren added on. “Like everyone else here, I cherish our friendship.”

“I agree. Even if Polaris offers me an apprenticeship, I’ll still put you first,” Luna added on. “That’s what friends are for.”

“Thank you, everyone,” Zoey choked up, tears forming at the edges of her eyes.

It was a reassuring reminder that they all had each other’s backs. And for Zoey, the assurance had to be a welcome relief after sweating out what her father had planned for her over the course of two months.

“For tonight, let’s get some rest. We can come up with a plan when we’re all fully rested and have clear heads,” Ren suggested whilst stifling a yawn.

“Yeah, it’s no use thinking on this when we’re tired. Especially with how Eriza thinks,” Iris jokingly mentioned.

Immediately, the Lightning Sorceress sat up and gave the Abjurer a lethal glare.

“Hey come on. I’m not that bad,” she stated. “I’m totally better at thinking things through than I was before we left. Ask Ren, she’ll tell you. Right Ren?”

“It’s true, Eriza has slowed down and begun considering her situation more often. Much like how Luna does, but she still has a way to go before she’s at Luna’s level.”

Eriza thinking things through? That was something new. The Lightning Sorceress was known for her quick judgements and impulsive choices. Part of it was her actual personality, and part of it was caused by her affinity. That she was making progress towards countering such issues was a good sign.

Iris had a point though. Having a clear mind would allow them to create a better plan overall.

“Alright, we’ll talk about this tomorrow,” Eriza said, getting up and walking toward the door. “See you guys tomorrow. Luna, I hope you can manage to sleep. I’d love to know more about this Polaris woman.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Have a good night you two. Sweet dreams,” Ren said, taking her leave as well.

Zoey was the last to leave. The Transmuter made her way to the door, but seemed hesitant. Turning around, she faced the two of them with a warm smile.

“I’m so glad to be friends with both of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you two. Have a good night,” she said, bowing as she did so. One she’d finished, she quickly made her way out of the room, leaving Iris and Luna alone.

Across the room, the elf’s adoptive sister turned to face her with a gentle smile. The same one she wore whenever she saw a fun challenge ahead of her. Though, to call this matter a simple challenge was odd.

“We beat my father back. I don’t think getting Zoey out of this is going to be much worse. Especially when Burke still owes me that favor,” she said suggestively.

Burning the favor the Magus owed them so soon after getting it seemed like a bad idea. It would be best to save it for a more complicated matter than something that could likely be solved with a well-laid trap. Who knew what changes they would soon face?

“I wouldn’t use it just yet Iris. A Magus like Burke might be more help with obstacles that are more complicated than this one. We can solve this issue ourselves.”

“Yeah you’re probably right,” the Abjurer dejectedly sighed. “Well, I want to take a shower and go to bed. You still plan on sleeping tonight Luna?”

“Yeah, I really want to try meeting Polaris again. Hopefully for longer this time.”

“Alright, I’ll let you shower first then.”

“Thank you Iris. And don’t worry, we’ll make sure Zoey makes it through this” the elf said while walking over and giving her adoptive sister a gentle hug.

“Yeah.”

After enjoying a delightful shower and bidding her sister goodnight, the elf snuggled up under the soft sheets of her bed. Oddly enough, as soon as she got comfy, she found herself quickly drifting off to sleep. Before Iris emerged from the shower a hour later, her adopted sister was already fast asleep in her bed.

After closing her eyes, the world quickly faded to darkness.

She didn’t know what her odds of seeing Polaris again through her dreams were. Perhaps her chances were lower since the world wouldn’t be remembering her this time. Or perhaps the distance between the two would interfere.

She had to try though. Her concerns about Felicity were growing by the day. That was a matter she wanted to have solution to as soon as possible. Hopefully the other bluette would understand.

However, to her surprise, when the darkness faded she wasn’t standing on the plane of mirror-like water.

Instead, she was just outside of Lilith’s standing on the corner of Young and Meta. The scene before her was something she would never have imagined.

Rough looking mages had surrounded them. Each of them wore different scars and ragged clothes. Their greed filled eyes were focused on her. To an observer, the scene appeared as if a pack of predators was readying to pounce on their prey.

The stench of smoke and burnt flesh filled the air. Flames covered the nearby buildings and dotted the the entire length of Hennesy St. The street itself was missing large chunks, and the store fronts along it were utterly obliterated.

Distant screams, cries and the sounds of magical warfare filled the air. Her ragged breathing conveyed her unbridled rage. Her heart demanded that its wrath be set loose upon the world.

A few hours ago everything was fine. The coast was calm, and the sun was shining. It was a beautiful day to be outside. 

And then, in the span of minutes, the barrier fell, the invasion sirens blared and Mermen were attacking from all sides.

But that wasn’t the worst part. The Tower, the city’s most important weapon for the defense against an invasion was idle. Why was it not attacking the beasts that were laying siege to their city?

With the Tower out of commission, the citizens and students were left to fend for themselves. She couldn’t recall how much time it took from when everything started to when she finally made it back to Lilith’s. And when she returned, the sight that met her scarred her mind.

The coughs of her adoptive sister drew her mind out of its stunned state.

Looking down made her want to vomit. Iris was cradled in her arms, severely burned from head to toe. Only her face was left mostly untouched. Tears were streaming down it as she tried to futilely hold herself together. Luna had she seen the girl cry, and the sight of it was downright sickening.

“Iris you’re going to be alright. We are not dying here,” she involuntarily reassured her.

The Water Sorceress put on her bravest face and painfully raised her hand to touch Luna’s face gently.

“Luna you need to run. If they kill you, then what will happen in Scandinavia? What about the world? Our Sisterhood swore to protect the world from something like that, didn’t we? It’s not prepared for what’s to come because of it,” the Abjurer tearfully choked and began to plead. “You have to survive. Don’t let that fucker kill you. Go.”

She couldn’t bring herself to run. That would be no different from acting like a coward. If only her protector were here right now. Was she even still alive?

Luna glanced up and was reminded of another horror. Ren was lying on the ground in a large pool of her own blood, completely unmoving. Her body was just as badly burned as Iris’. Next to her, sharing the pool of blood was Skylar, who for some reason was in Sydney and had aided them.

Beyond the pair was another familiar figure, who was now a corpse. Her body was half blown apart, and it was obvious she was dead. ‘Her mind’ told her that Eriza went out with a bang, just like the Lightning Sorceress always said she would.

“I’m so sorry Sis,” the Ice Evoker stammered, beginning to incant an all too familiar spell.

“Don’t be. No one could have-,” the girl paused, sucking air into her badly damaged lungs, “-seen this coming. We’ll meet again someday. I’m sure of it.”

Choking back tears, Luna cradled her adoptive sister in her arms and prepared for the inevitable. She didn’t want to do it. She didn’t want to let go, but she knew Iris wouldn’t survive her injuries. They were just too severe. Not even the world’s best doctors likely would have been able to save her at this point.

“Mmm. We’ll meet again soon. I love you, sis.”

“I love… you too.”

“Ice Flex.”

The remaining light left her sister's eyes as her entire back became encased in ice. The sight of her adoptive sister, now dead in her arms, was enough to break her in half.

How did it come to this? To have to kill her sister to put her out of her misery. What kind of fucked up world was this?

Questions flooded her mind all at once. As for answers, she had none of them.

With her sister gone, there was only one thing left on her mind.

Gently resting the corpse on the ground, the bluette stood up. Before she looked up at the leader of the rogue mages, a pale arm reached out and grabbed her ankle.

“Lu…na…” Zoey’s voice called out next to her.

Turning to face the Transmuter, she again felt her stomach want to revolt. The other three looked bad, but somehow, despite the deep cut on her face and lacerations all across her body on top of what had to be third-degree burns Zoey had still been kicking.

It wasn’t for long. She must have already been dead, because a second later, she dropped to the ground, exhaling a long, final breath.

Her entire party was dead. Every single one of the girls that she’d gotten stronger and fought with up to this point were gone now, and they would never come back. There was nothing she could do about it.

For the first time in her life she felt truly powerless. And she knew she couldn’t escape what was about to come. It was something she would face head-on, with her head held high. She had to survive. Iris was right about that. The entire world was counting on her to survive this. Only after what she must do was done could she join her Sisterhood in the great beyond.

Looking up, she stared the bastard who’d caused all of this in the eye.

Arthur Fitzgerald.

The man known to many for his exploits in killing demi-humans of all kinds.

The man who killed his daughter as if she were a fly on the wall.

And the worst part was that he wore a carefree smile. It was as if a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders, and now he was reveling in newfound freedom.

There were only two ways this could end. Only one of those outcomes was acceptable though. Despite being utterly surrounded, she absolutely could not die here.

And so, bursting forward with the Flight spell she’d previously had been making use of, she flew toward the man who’d killed everyone that mattered to her.

A shield of flames emerged between them, and the sound of Ice clashing with Fire ensued.

Luna awoke with a start. A thin, cold layer of sweat covered every inch of her body. She was also panting heavily, as if she’d been through a rigorous training session.

That had to have been a nightmare. There was no way that could ever happen. She wasn’t a bloodline Diviner, so it should be impossible for her to have a vision as intense as that dream was.

“Hey, are you okay,” Iris frantically asked.

Above her, Iris was holding her shoulders with a panicked expression on her face,

“Sorry Iris. I had a bad dream is all,” she said, sitting up and pulling her sister in for a hug.

Reassuringly, she rubbed the girl’s back to affirm that everything was alright.

“When I walked out of our bathroom, I knew something wasn’t right. You were tossing and turning, and mumbling like you were in pain, I thought something was terribly wrong.”

The Water Sorceress’ reaction was perfectly understandable. If Luna had actually been in trouble then Iris would have gotten her out of quite a pickle. The elf didn’t want to think about what the dream may have become if she’d experienced it any further.

“Thank you for waking me Iris. I’m sorry I worried you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re alright. Are you still going to try and make contact with Polaris tonight? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to.”

After that experience she was hesitant to do so. Having another nightmare was wholly undesirable.

At the same time, the thought of Felicity injuring herself was another matter. She couldn’t just hesitate to risk a possible hindrance when whatever Felicity was facing had a genuine chance of affecting her for the rest of her life. That was something the elf wouldn’t accept.

“I’ll try again, and hopefully this time things will work out better.”

“Alright. Just be careful, okay?”

That was something she couldn’t promise. If Polaris could communicate with her through ‘dreams’ then it was possible that someone like Ghillana could do the same. And who knew what that woman intended for her. She did seem like she could take her with her by force if she really wanted to do so.

Thankfully they were at Lilith’s. The Annwn might have been brazen enough to walk into a Frontier city, but Lilith’s was toward the center of it. It couldn’t be so simple to sneak so far into the city without getting caught.

“I will. Let’s get some sleep. We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow after all. We’ve got an arranged marriage to soil, don’t we?”

Mentioning Zoey brought a smile to the Water Sorceress’ face. She was always one for a challenge, no matter how big it was. And the Water Transmuter was their friend no less.

“You’re right. We’ve got a fun time ahead of us.”

With that, Abjurer climbed into bed and tucked herself in. Shifting onto her other side, Luna closed her eyes and once again attempted to fall asleep.

“Goodnight sis.”

“Goodnight sis.”

Slowly, but surely, the gentle embrace of sleep welcomed her once again.

Wilkinkarra.

Of the many places Polaris had visited over time, it was the salt lake Wilkinkarra in Australia. It was a secluded place, and also home to one of the famous eastern Enclàves, The Wildfire Enclàve. Of the two Australian Enclàves, the Wildfire one was known for its welcoming yet highly secluded members. Even the Western Enclàves held them in high regard.

It had been years since she’d last visited and though she’d promised to return after a year or so, she hadn’t been back in a decade and a half, having let herself get swept up in her work. Three or four years would have been understandable, but she was a decade late for even that, time that wasn’t so easily going to be made up.

Even now, her visit wasn’t one of pleasure, but one of business and it made her feel terribly guilty. She really would have to prove how sorry she was to Vianola once she’d finally found her. Making her way along the western edge of the lake, she soon found herself at the edge where of the illusion hiding the true home of the Wildfire druids.

She fondly recalled the days she spent sparring and training with the druids of this Enclàve. Those cherished days when she was in her twenties were something she would never forget.

The sound of a bush being rustled near her drew her out of her trip down memory lane.

“Well you certainly kept me waiting long enough,” a familiar voice called out.

Turning to see its owner, Polaris found herself greeted by the woman who’d watched over her training as a druid all those years ago.

“Vianola, it’s been too long.”

“Indeed. And yet you’re not here for me.”

“I- you’re right. I have no excuses, nor no way to apologize for not coming back here of my own will.”

The fiery haired druid made her way over to her and slapped her across the back of the head. Though several years had past since they last saw one another, the woman hadn’t lost her touch.

“Ow.”

“You deserved that.”

“You’re right. And I deserve a thousand more I’ve just… I’ve had some things keeping me busy.”

“I’ve heard. Why didn’t you think to ask me when you went there?”

“Because if your people lost you, then who would take up your mantle? The kids are too young and you’re the best of your generation.”

“Stroking my ego isn’t going to help.”

“I know, I was telling the truth.”

Vianola smiled and patted her on the shoulder. Smiling back, she gave her a wink and circulated her Essence throughout her body, enjoying the dreamlike sensation it created.

“So you have grown my student. I suppose the reason you’re here then is because of them.”

“It is, though I didn’t believe the rumors at first.”

“They’ll never leave you alone over this will they. It wasn’t your fault you were too young. If anything it’s their fault for not getting off their bottoms and getting their hands dirty.”

“I just wish the problem would solve itself, but that unfortunately wasn’t meant to be the case.”

The older druid looked longingly at the horizon where the sun had set an hour ago and let out a long, frustrated sigh.

“Well we can talk about that later on. Would you like to meet them?”

“I’d love to.”