POV: Aaron

Watching the two sleeping children I sit in the grass and spin my thoughts, my mind drifting along what happened.

My mind was still in shock, my emotions turning on me. I mean… what even held me down… did I really see Lumi as only a… well… family member…? I mean, she was younger than me… but already old enough to marry me back then…

“What the heck Aaron, keep it together!” (Aaron)

Yelling at myself for thinking nonsensical thoughts, I immediately jerk up hearing a soft grunt escape from somewhere.

Looking over I spot Arin still lying in Sumi’s embrace, struggling ever so slightly. He's probably reacting to my outburst.

Closing in on him I pet his head a bit that results in him falling back asleep, his soft breathing evening out again. He requires a lot of rest when considering what his body has to catch up to, so I feel reluctant to wake him up.

“dad... thanks...” (Arin)

His voice was barely audible as he was probably dreaming. Yet I froze on the spot, my thoughts entering a chaotic state again.

How can such an innocent child be the death of me~?

Complaining to myself I feel a warm sting of embarrassment spreading across my face.

I mean, I can understand if Arin would see me more like a Father figure already... but I wish he would think more about the implications!

Feeling embarrassed, suddenly my memories begin turning and spewing out pictures and memories I believed long forgotten.

Reminded of those moments back then when the Fox-clan still existed, I feel my heart ache for some reason, my mind drifting along memory-lane...

With my emotions growing unstable I noticed late that tears dropped from my eyes with my sight growing misty... Why? Why me?

I am an Ancient Dragon for gods' sake! Why am I affected by those Emotions!

Feeling confused by my mental-state, my thoughts and memories intermingling as I try to make sense of them, I notice a little late how unstable I actually am...

Questions also begin budding within my heart... why did I even stay that long within the Caverns, guarding Lumis remains...? Why was I able to keep going, even as I was lonely down there...?

As the question keep flying around my head, I fail miserably at trying to sort my emotions.

How come...? I can't understand...!?

I feel just like back then when I was still a child... the thing mom always told to me...'Aaron, you will not always understand your emotions and heart, but once you become honest with yourself you will find the truth...' I always thought I knew what she meant by that, but I stand corrected.

I actually still don't understand. However... honesty...?

Trying to pry into myself, I suddenly notice memories of the past when Lumi was still alive...

However, the moment I felt my chest hurt, I immediately dispersed and denied them! Nearly bursting in anger, I wanted to yell out! This is not me!

I don't know why I am angry, at whom am I angry...?!?

I am not this weak, I am trained to resist and be patient, what is happening to me!?

My thoughts kept on reeling... am I afraid? What am I afraid off?! I feel confused, why is this happening to me!

Feeling irritated over myself, I only return to rationality when flames begin sparking along my body, nearly waking the two children up.

Immediately returning to reality, I forcefully settle my emotions once more as I walk towards the two peacefully sleeping treasures, picking them up carefully with one arm each and begin walking out of the world-Trees area.

I need something to vent. However, feeling Arin snuggling against my chest as he continued to snooze peacefully, I feel my irritation disperse. It is my duty to protect him, not the other way around.

Leaving my emotional struggles behind while a soft smile comes to my face, I walk towards the boundary of the World-Tree where a thin path opened up for me to leave.

Walking through the winding path I quickly find myself on the other side, where the Sage Zaryph is waiting for us, his face slightly pale.

“Oh, Sir Geyser. You're finally back, please...” (Sage Zaryph)

Before he could continue calling out to us in his loud voice, I snarl at him and indicate at the sleeping children with my eyes, leaving him to shut up and whisper instead.

(Sage Zaryph)

Feeling another headache coming from this whole thing I only nod. I have to keep careful control of my emotions, I can't have them just go berserk.

Following the guidance of Sage Zaryph, we quickly arrive in front of the teleportation-hut where only the two knights from before stood guard.

I guess they must have already sent Saria and the others to the place we will live at for the time being.

Whispering, I ask Sage Zaryph a question.

(Uncle Black)

The Sage only turned around, looking at me as if I was a moron, before he immediately corrected his smile and answered in a polite tone.

(Sage Zaryph)

Hearing those words, I can't help but cringe, my smile ever so slightly distorting. I completely forgot about the royal-ascension problem... how could I forget that...?

Feeling my thoughts turn again, I don't even notice as the teleportation-lights flare on and begin flowing around us in a stable motion, forming something like a cocoon of light.

In the next moment, I felt like I was floating before another flash woke me up from my thoughts, the light dispersing as we arrived at our destination.

Before my eyes, a massive clearing opened up, with thousands of houses and even a palace standing in the distance. The houses all have a color-scheme that relates to nature, with countless roots, flowers and trees in between. In the middle the palace itself is built of many different floors, with a large crystalline Tree as its center.

The whole clearing actually seems to float above what appears to be a massive crevice, that isn’t something new though. After all, this is the spot where Treia first cracked open at the great collapse, so the whole capitol is fixed above the crater by the World-Tree, just like the tens of smaller islands floating in this place. Every single one of them contains homes, farms or just trees and nature, with each nearly being as large as a human city. In addition, behind the crevice itself one can spot the massive World-Tree as it pierces through the clouds, with mountains surrounding the crevice like castle-walls.

Meanwhile from the crevice endless mist pours out, giving the whole scenario a certain charm. This fog is produced by the elemental-barrier beneath, as well as the water which acts like a net should someone fall down from there which actually rarely happens.

Back to the capitol island, the large palace in its center has only two towers, with each being on the northern and southern side of the palace, with all of it made from pure-white stone. Between the main-floors and the towers, as well as the crystal tree, one can even catch sight of countless roofed bridges acting between them, with elves busily running across. It is a curious sight, increased even more by the trees growing beside the palace like guards, while carved in those large trees statues of elven heroes and kings can be seen.

I remember this, the capitol of the Elven-Kingdom, the place where this islands Royalty and nobility live at. However, I can't say I am very fond of this place as the memories of my last visit weren't that great.

Feeling apathetic to that by now, I immediately move my arms a little to keep the two peacefully sleeping children comfortable before stepping out of the teleportation-device. Outside, Saria, Anna and Alice who were waiting for us with multiple soldiers and guards at their side, greet us.

Saria, who had her professional smile melt away the moment she took sight of Arin and Sumi in my arms, first spotted us. Meanwhile Alice and Anna were too busy talking with some of the elven guards to take notice. I actually wondered what they were talking about, seeing as the one speaking with Anna had an uncomfortable smile on his face.

Listening in, it appears that Anna asked if she could try touching their elven ears... Well, seeing as Saria only showed an amused smile when I indicated at Anna I believe it has not gotten out of hand yet.

Meanwhile the guards taking sight of the Sage and me immediately bow down while lifting both their arms and pushing their hands together as if they were praying. However Anna, seeing as the soldier suddenly bowed, didn't seem to care why they did it as her hand immediately tried to grab the ears of the guard in front of her.

I nearly had to laugh though, as the moment she tried to do so Saria suddenly pulled her up by her waist and held her under her arm like some piece of luggage.

Alice on the other hand also showed a smile, as both she and Anna finally notice our existence.

Smiling towards us, they already want to greet us. However, before they could raise their voices, I cut them off with a stare while indicating that the two in my arms were still asleep.

Anna and Alice as well as Saria and the guards all nod in understanding, before they all stood up and began guiding us towards the main-island. To reach there we will first have to pass over several bridges made from both wood and metal, with some even made from mana.

Anna and Alice were actually quite cautions when crossing the bridges, which I can’t really blame them for, as a massive foggy and dark crevice spread out beneath them. They did enjoy wandering past the smaller islands in between however, both of them growing fascinated by the colorful flora and fauna.

Meanwhile, several of the guards clothed in yellowish, frugal leather-armor walked behind us while keeping a straight face as they marched in a single line.

Seeing them be so orderly I can only guess that their military discipline must have gone up a level since my last visit, as back then the soldiers weren't much different from a militia. Now they have all armors of the same design with specialization for their weapon of choice, while also having strong discipline in the way they move and act.

I am surprised, so I have to acknowledge the general responsible for this as he did a good job. Anyway, regaining my focus I notice how our group already approached the main city-island, about the halfway point before we reach the palace.

In front past the city-entrance I can spot countless faces, even guards standing by the side of the road which gives me a bad vibe...

And as if trying to answer my bad feeling, as soon as our group reached the city entrance all of them began cheering and yelling out, some even trying to get past the guards to greet us. During that others even began firing sylph-flower petals into the air using wind-magic. Those petals aren't dangerous, they even retain their colors after the flower wilts, so many people use them at festivals.

However, all the noise, lights, magic and other things, I mostly feared Arin waking up. As a result, first using wind magic to cut off Arins and Sumis hearing, I then immediately followed by bellowing out using air magic which caused ripples that no sane elf could ignore.

All of them, the countless elves with their children included, stared at me in shock, probably unable to deduce why I suddenly cut off their cheering.

However, as more and more people took a closer look they noticed the sleeping children in my arms, resulting in them beginning to whisper with one another.

Releasing some magic into the air, I let my voice resonate like a whisper within a hallway, letting the people know that Arin must not be awakened under the order of the World-Tree.

Hearing this, most of the elves just bow their heads in acknowledgment of my words, the few rebels that didn't listen however... let's not say anything.

As our group continues walking past the crowd of people that opened a path for us, I get more and more surprised at the silence that ensued, making me wonder how much reverence those elves must hold for the old Tree. Well, he is something like their god so I am not in a position to judge.

Looking at their faces, many appear distressed and unable to come up with ideas on how they should greet us, resulting in most of them just staring at us in painful silence. In their midst however, a single young elf suddenly moved as his mana gained motion. As if inspired, he suddenly drew on his mana to create water above us that took the shape of a fish, that as he swam created weak water-sprays which reflected the light and resulted in rainbows.

And like a tidal-wave suddenly one elf after another drew on their mana, even the children, with the elements beginning to move above our heads as pictures and images began forming. Countless animals flew through the air, flowers grew from the floor-tiles while others created texts that welcomed us. Meanwhile, the remaining ones with less control just formed simple shapes and forms that just added to the charm of the whole thing.

In astonishment, I became unable to even close my mouth. Even as I don't want to wake Arin and Sumi, I wish they could witness this. Even the beauty of this astounds me. Even stranger was however, that during all that not a single word fell, with only the weak sound of the mana-ripples resounding. This whole situation and a small idea creating something this beautiful, I believe Arin and Sumi would love to see this. Maybe another day…

Still, looking over at Anna and Alice walking beside me, I could see them opening their eyes wide in shock, while Saria had a bright smile on her lips as she looked over to me.

I didn't quite catch what she was smiling about, until I took a look at the sleeping kids in my arms. Both Arin and Sumi had golden smiles on, radiating an adorable charm as if to complete the picture in front of us. I guess I have to be thankful...

I actually never knew this side of the elves, so I can't deny that I had a little shock. However, seeing as it was calm and silent yet very beautiful, I didn't have any ground to stop them. Well, even Arin enjoyed it even as he sleeps. So instead, I feel happy inside knowing that the elves appreciate to see us here. I wonder, did the old Tree tell them who Arin truly is? Maybe he did, but that doesn't matter now.

Walking forward through the myriad of shapes and colors of all the magics, we were already about to enter the palace' zone when suddenly a loud voice reverberated nearby, a young woman in training clothes racing towards here.

“I felt a strong Mana-Presence, that Strong person; Show Yourself and Fight Me!” (Muscle-Brain)

Shouting at the top of her lungs, said young elf-woman ran towards us, her face agitated with an expression of expectancy and a weird grin. If I am not wrong, then the mana-presence she felt should be Arin, as his massive mana-pool is still ever so slightly leaking. However, letting her fight Arin?

NEVER!

The first troublemaker, the muscle-Brain princess. In that very moment I really wish I could punch her, but she would just take that as a challenge so it isn't a wise idea.

Just as I am about to refute her, all elves in the vicinity stop their magics midair and stare at the muscle head, all of them wearing grim expressions. Surprisingly even I could feel pressure coming from their gaze, even if it isn't directed at me.

I quickly found the reason for their behavior however, as Arin in my arm began struggling ever so slightly, his smile vanishing. I know that elves love nature, but they also greatly appreciate cute things and stuff connected to mana, the presence of the power that can be found nearly everywhere.

For that reason, seeing Arin smile, a being that is more adorable as well as touched by mana and magic-power than anything else they know must have been something enjoyable for them.

Looking over I could actually spot said princess stopping in her tracks as all the gazes land on her, with some of the elves even lifting their fingers and pushing it to their mouths, indicating for her to be silent.

“But...” (Muscle-Brain)

Even as she tried to protest, the gazes only intensified until the princess finally backed down, her face distorted as tears dropped from her eyes. Even so, no one helped her as it is known how easy said princess begins to pout, especially when her chance to fight someone strong was taken from her. Well, poor muscle-brain, but she absolutely deserves it. Actually, coming here just to see this scene was already worth it.

Everyone just ignores her after she shut up and focus back in front, specifically on Arin and Sumi in my arms.

At the end, after a few minutes of walking and a painful smile coming from Sage Zaryph, we finally managed to arrive at the palace with most of the residents returning to their own homes with content smiles.

I couldn't guess then, but in their eyes Arin was something like a hero or chosen one, especially with his relation to mana and MP as well as with the World-Tree. Even more so, the silent greeting with magic became a unique method of greeting on the Elven-Island from that day forth. Especially utilized when a certain special guest showed up, astonished me when I eventually found out about it.

That was a story for later however. Meanwhile, arriving at the palace we were greeted by the ministers and high-nobles living there, as well as the personal that will take care of us for the duration of our stay.

We were then guided to our rooms where I brought Arin and Sumi to bed, both still sleeping soundly as if they hadn't slept in years.

I actually even spotted their tails that already subconsciously intertwined with one another, so I could only smile at this display of affection.

Anna and Alice especially wanted to keep looking, both of them having smiles that reached to their ears, so I had to shoo them away. I actually wonder, am I in the right to... force their relationship like that when I can't even bring my own to progress...

…

Where did that thought come from?!?

Feeling agonized, I suddenly realize that my emotions began peeking through my defenses again. As a result, feeling embarrassed and irritated I immediately said that I am tired and returned to my own room, throwing myself onto my bed.

And while turning myself in bed as I could feel my heart ache, I completely missed the foreboding grin coming from Saria when I left...

…

…

--POV: Arin---

Feeling my strength leave me again, I slowly fall asleep, my mind drifting away. I didn't even hear anything from mama Lumi, but feeling that her warmth was there I peacefully lose my awareness, my thoughts ceasing...

…

Suddenly waking up, I find myself back in the Orphanage on earth, the children hopping and playing around me. Everyone had smiles on while having fun, and the others waving their hands at me inviting me to play with them.

I immediately wanted to join them, getting up from the chair I was sitting on. However, the moment I took a step forward I suddenly fall over, strength leaving my legs.

Lying on the floor, I could see Maria run over, helping me back into the chair. Then I realized, the chair was not just any chair, but the wheel-chair I mostly used with the dark rims and a variety of funny colored drawings strewn along the leather of the seat.

It was the wheel-chair I could remember too well, the one that was with me for as long as I can remember. How come I suddenly lost my ability to walk? Why am I back in the Orphanage? Why is everyone here?

Realizing the weirdness of the situation and feeling a load of question surface one after another I take a look at myself, my skin having an unhealthy white color with my whole body clothed in a simple hoody and jeans, with comfortable warm slippers on my feet.

Being stunned at the situation that I can't follow I suddenly find Maria look over at me, her face revealing a worried expression.

As her mouth moved I feel as if she was trying to tell me something. However, I couldn't hear her voice at all making me only able to look at her with a confused expression.

As if realizing that I can't hear her, Maria placed her hand on top of my head letting me feel relieved, before she picked me up and carried me outside where for some reason no one was.

It was empty and the only thing I could see was the usual trees and bushes nearby, with the blue sky looming above us. However, when I tried looking beyond the fence of the garden, I am greeted by thick fog, blocking off any attempt to see beyond.

I still had question flow through my head looking at the weird scenery surrounding me, when suddenly all around me children ran from the building, all of them screaming and yelling with smiles on their faces. It was so loud that I wanted to cover my ears, my hands were held down by maria however, making me unable to move.

Still, before I knew it Maria yelled once, with me still being unable to hear what she said.

The kids on the other hand all immediately became silent, looking at one another while obviously whispering between each other.

And out of nowhere, suddenly one of them began releasing a large kite with a strong blue color, which flew above without the support of any wind.

Curious, I watch the kite, before one after another the other kids release their own, every single one having a different shape and color. However, just as I was enjoying the colors, from somewhere a loud voice reverberated, inaudible yet definite.

There, in the doorway stood the old hag from next door who always complains about the noise we make, who always tried to get rid of the orphanage.

Before I could even say something, the other kids already reacted with their gazes fixed on her as their kites flew directly towards her like animals that found their prey.

I didn't know what to think of this, as the kites immediately took back to the sky once the old hag fled, with everyone’s faces showing deep content.

It was then when I tried asking questions that Maria suddenly lowered me to the ground, laying me on the grassy floor which was unnaturally comfortable.

Looking up, I could see all the children smile towards me, together with Maria and Elisa. Only then did I finally realize however, that some people were missing. Anna and Alice, as well as Luna, Markus and a few others, none of them being present. I first wanted to ask about this, before I could though, the ground beneath me suddenly opened up.

Beneath me a black hole opened up, swallowing me before I could even scream, shock running through my whole body making me unable to move.

Feeling the darkness surround me with every passing moment, I try to struggle, calling out to Maria and the others above, fruitless.

Falling deeper into the darkness, I try to force my way and push through. I don't want to be caged by darkness any longer, I had enough!

…

As if hearing my declaration my surroundings lit up, my breathing haggard as sweat permeated my body.

I felt hot and cold at the same time, comfortable yet uncomfortable, as if sitting in a comfortable chair where there is one stupid spot that keeps annoying me.

I can't explain the feeling, but looking around the room I finally calm my breathing, trying to regain my composure.

Finding myself staring at a roof I didn't recognize, I slowly lift my upper body to take a look around. The bed I found myself in appears rather large, but not much bigger than the one I have at home. I don’t recognize the room itself however.

The whole place was actually unfamiliar, with windows the size of Uncle Black and frames made of a white kind of wood, with even the walls of the room sharing that white color.

Opposite of the bed, I found a door made of a strange metal, with plants at the two sides of it reminding me of a bonsai, just a tad bigger.

Then, as I was still scanning the room, even taking a whiff to check for unknown scents, I picked one up I am more than familiar with. To my right, still lying right next to me, I spotted Sumi sleeping as she hugged her pillow.

My mind didn’t even think anything of this, as I tiredly climbed off the bed to walk towards the door. Trying to jump down, I suddenly feel a strong pull on my tails and fall to the floor, face first.

Standing back up, I notice that my tails appear to be tangled with something which at first I didn’t quite realize what it was. Rubbing my tired eyes, I finally noticed what the thing was that tied me down, revealing itself to be the tails belonging to Sumi, who appears to be waking up from being tugged by her tails.

Thinking about it, I finally realized what was happening, and in a panic I try freeing myself from Sumis tails. Before I could do so however, I suddenly felt as Sumi pulled her own tails in, causing me, who was kneeling on the bed to unhook them, to be pulled in by her and end up falling on top of her.

Freezing in panic, I could not even react in time before I landed on top of her, which resulted in her waking up. Looking at one another, I felt my blood rush to my head, I wanted to get out of this situation… fast!

As I am trying to lift myself off her, she only looked at me for a moment, her gaze misty and unsteady. On the other hand, her following actions were too fast for me to follow, and before I knew it, she deeply held onto me, pressing my face against her chest as she used me like a huggy.

In that very moment I felt my heartbeat increase, and my breathing quickening. I realized a weird feeling I my chest that I couldn’t explain, resulting in me freezing in confusion and fear, unable to even move.

However, the second turned into minutes, and with time, I slowly felt my heart calm again, causing my eyes to go to war against my sleepiness.

That wasn’t the end however, as just as my heart began relaxing, I suddenly sensed her swinging her legs around me, embracing me like a body-Pillow.

I want to scream out, but with my breathing and heartbeat getting irregular and my face flushing red, I couldn’t even leak my voice, my thoughts freezing over like a glacier.

I really wanted to escape, but I couldn’t. I tried escaping Sumis hold, but even with me using a bit of strength to get away from her, her grip remained steady, not letting me go. Where does this strength of hers come from all of a sudden?!

I didn’t want to use my full strength to release myself, but I also wanted to get away as quickly as possible, leaving me conflicted...

My blood rushing to my head, I could feel myself getting lightheaded, my vision even growing darker.

What is happening?!?

My breathing still unsteady, I just remained there, my thoughts and actions frozen.

So, using my hands I tried covering my face and make myself as small as possible out of embarrassment, but it was futile, as out of reaction Sumi just held me closer. Even my tails, which tried to cover me, pulled Sumis with them causing all of them to cover the two of us, making me even more uncomfortable.

And so, covered by the tails and feeling Sumis soft breathing near my ears, I went more and more panic-mode, my mind unable to keep up as I felt my embarrassment stifling my thought-process.

Reacting to my ears that were especially sensible to Sumis breathing, a strange sensation began traveling through my nerves, encompassing my whole body while a strong sting of embarrassment creeps onto my face...

Feeling my stress grow, I didn't even know what to do, my thoughts resulting in a blank...

And just as I felt even my breathing growing rough, the pressure overflowed and my mind completely blanketed...

My consciousness faded...

…

…

…

Meanwhile; within the mind of the great World-Tree...

So he left... I hope he didn't notice...

I mean, I even had to redirect Arin's Mana in a way to hide it, but...

How come such a thing could even happen, I mean Arin was clearly alive!?!

His soul ascended... for whatever reason.

I couldn't even track him anymore after a certain moment, I was already about to panic!

Luckily the soul suddenly tugged on the spirit that continued to stretch as a connection between soul and body... but what if the soul didn't return...

I confirmed that it is definitely Arins, and no changes appear to have occurred that I can see... so what the heck happened!!

I surveillance every step of the procedure myself, so why did then Arin's Soul ascend?!?

I could understand it if Lumi suddenly ascended... even if it would be sad, but ARIN?!?

WHY!?!

I can only hope that Arin himself will become aware of what happened sooner or later, because here even I can't help anymore...