It was then that the fire that was supported by the Phoenix finally died down, the towering wall of flames finally collapsing in on itself before vanishing, only the smoke, heat-haze and scorched ground telling of its existence.

However, covered in blood, Aaron was standing above the corpse of the once majestic yet mad Phoenix, his figure frozen in shock from seeing those eyes pinned on him. Yet once he regained some awareness and tried to approach the others, the girls drew back in shock. They went through too much and seeing the absolutely massive dragon covered in blood standing before them while radiating a strong pressure, they could no longer take it.

Even Saria stepped forward, keeping Aaron from approaching, causing the latter to scowl. She however answered him in a cold and logical tone, making him aware of his own state and appearance.

"Sir, you can rest assured, I will send Arin back to the palace and have him treated. As for you Sir, your appearance currently is rather questionable, please first heal your wounds and clean yourself, it will prevent many misunderstandings." There was a sharp hint in her voice, maybe because he didn't trust her ability to defend the young Master, causing her to feel indignant. After all, Saria was a fully awakened True Adult Dragon, the type of dragon that can destroy a nation with ease and is only inferior to ancient, wise and divine-dragons which are very rare and nearly impossible to find.

As though doused by cold water, Aaron nodded his head, realizing his mistake. Yet as his head slowly cooled off, he realized something. Something was definitely off, and if he was right then everyone could potentially be in danger.

Taking one look back at the unconscious and scared troupe first, he then flapped his wings and ascended, defying gravity as his heavy body vanished in the distance.

Saria in the end only looked after him from a distance, letting out a soft growl in annoyance. However, immediately afterward she turned towards the girls and used her agile claws to scoop up the small group as well as the unconscious Larso and Arin.

Back at the palace, some healers immediately cared for the girls, which luckily didn't have any serious injuries. However, Sumi had some problems regaining control over her chaos, which thanks to Anna and Alice helping her was solved soon after. Though, and that was serious, all three of them seemed to have carried a trauma with them, the life and death situation having had too much of an impact on them.

On the other hand, Arin was also a more serious case in the physical sense. Standing in the medical-room was a group of healers and doctors as well as Saria who kept check of everything, with her hair still disorganized from the earlier hurried transformation.

Arin was lying on a small bed prepared by the palace for such cases, the doctors and healers surrounding him. Due to the fact that Arin was unconscious, his self-regeneration was slowed and he was unable to utilize healing-magic himself. On the other hand, thanks to the seal slowly replenishing him with mana from his spirit's massive source, he at least wasn't suffering from mana-deficiency like Larso was.

However, taking care of the tails was another problem. Several of them had burnt patches and wounds that contained pieces of rock and earth from the explosion earlier. And since he had forcefully channeled mana through them for the shield, many had healed a bit, so they had to open the wounds again to remove the dirt and rocks before helping it heal. It wasn't helpful either that the tails of foxes were usually rather active, causing the wounds to open again should he move them too much. Even the fact that those tails had a very special structure unique to Fox-Kin didn't help.

For that reason the doctors and healers did their best to remove and purify the wounds Arin suffered, checking his condition before letting the healing process start. In the end, they bandaged the wounds in order to keep them from reopening. So now, more than half of Arin's tails had bandages at several places, blood sometimes still staining his silver-white fur.

It was unknown if Saria's gaze the whole time was one of self-scorn or pity, yet the subconscious pressure she released during the operation made many of the elven doctors uncomfortable.

Arin was then brought back to his assigned room after the last check was complete, his breathing calm as he was laid down on his bed.

That evening he didn't wake up again, yet many people including Aaron, the girls and Saria came by. Even the royal descendants came over, showing respect, and the princess surprisingly didn't dare do something meat-headed in that situation, as even she felt sober from watching the battle between the Phoenix and Aaron.

Though Aaron was wounded during the battle, thanks to his vitality and healing-ability there was no trace remaining of the damage besides the dark shadow that was covering his eyes. The reason for that was the thing he did while Arin was being treated, something he had to confirm because it just didn't make sense to him.

This whole attack long, a certain factor never involved itself.

The World-Tree.

As much as Aaron understood the tree, it wouldn't let harm come to the descendant of his parents, the origins. Yet why, even as it happened in its very own territory, did he not make a move when Arin was being cornered?!

It was for that reason that Aaron immediately came to confront the latter, fully displaying his anger by just barging into the immediate tree's area. He didn't even care for the fairies and spirits around him and immediately spewed flames towards the tree, loudly questioning the latter's actions.

Though his flames failed to do much damage, the tree still reacted quickly, its leafy face showing itself before him. Though it seemed expressionless, Aaron could still feel a sense of guilt coming from it. But if he just left it at that, he wouldn't be able to sleep. So he once more questioned the tree, flames spewing out around his body in anger.

It was then that Aaron was confronted with a dark truth that probably no one besides the tree knew.

In front of him, several thin roots broke through the ground, carrying a magic-tool in the shape of a flat and twisted pearl, several glowing formations and lights flickering within the red, see-through pearl.

Seeing that tool, Aaron became apprehensive, feeling something ominous from it. And as though reading his thoughts, the tree's voice confirmed Aaron's suspicions.

[This is the tool that the Outsider used to invade my territory long ago. It forms some kind of barrier that when activated interferes with my powers… it is only thanks to the natural thickness of mana here being incompatible with him that he failed back then… I fear he will come again…]

The tree's voice was heavy, something clearly bothering him. However, Aaron was shocked, because just recently he had a fallout with said Outsider, and he knew that that fellow wasn't planning anything good. If he wasn't wrong, then the events mentioned in the letter from Arcadela Kingdom are probably also linked to him.

Still, that didn't exactly explain the reason the tree didn't react to protect Arin, so Aaron once more focused his sharp gaze towards the leafy face of the old tree, demanding a clear explanation, this time a bit calmer and willing to listen.

"So then, I can already guess what happened, but do you mind clearing up my suspicions." Aaron's voice was heavy, one that was also laced with great authority.

Releasing a sigh, the old tree started with a question: [Fine, you should already know when the Outsider failed to reach the core I protect and instead aged rapidly due to his decline from the lack of Magic-Power in the air, right?]

"Yes I know, it isn't exactly a secret among the great races. Still, what does that old tale have to do with the events today… don't tell me, this tool…?" This time Aaron's face contorted into a frown, possibilities forming in his head, possibilities he absolutely didn't like.

[As you have guessed, this tool was left behind when the Outsider fled. Back then, the Phoenix seems to have picked it up before I could retrieve it. I wasn't aware of it since he hid it inside his body, so I thought the Outsider managed to take it with him when he fled.

In the end however, see what happened. Maddened by the death of his kin by High-Human hands, the Phoenix began attacking whenever he sees humans. And now look at the result… I am sorry… I failed you. I couldn't even end him myself...] The face of the tree nearly burst apart, sadness radiating from it. Seeing this, Aaron finally calmed down a bit.

He indeed noticed how the powers of the pearl affected the tree, making it hard for even the roots to hold it. Additionally, the thing with the Phoenix also explained why humans and other races, in general, were never lead deeper into the island.

However, he still didn't fully understand what was happening. Because if legends stand true...

“Old tree, that Phoenix won't revive again, will he? I would hate to have to kill it over and over again.” This was an honest worry of Aaron, something he definitely didn't want to deal with.

However, never would he have guessed that the things told to him at that moment would allow him to reconstruct what was lost.

[It is true that the Phoenix can revive as long as their essence, or body, is still around and connected to the soul while fed enough energy or mana to be reborn. It's a technique that theoretically every ancient race can use as long as their soul can be linked to their essence... However, I already removed the link of his soul to the body now that the influence of the tool is gone, it is now only essence... you can do with it what you want. After all, it was your prey...]

The tree displayed a rarely seen sad expression on his face, grieving the loss and official death of another ancient race. However, one way or another this was also a good thing, as that child's soul can finally rest, no longer forced to live through countless rebirths.

Thanks to that, the tree's mood turned dark. It had failed big time today. The Phoenix had used the magic-tool on a large scale, risking itself while causing the tree to lack the power to interfere. Even now it was like a pang on its heart.

Still, watching the old tree beat itself up over this, Aaron realized that the tree really didn't mean to just stand at the side and do nothing. Even now he could imagine the tree trying its best to fix the damage caused. So taking a deep breath, Aaron relaxed further, his body shrinking back to a more compact size.

“Fine, I shall accept that explanation for now. However, I will return now back to where the others are. I'll see if I stay here after Arin and the girls regain themselves, depending on their state I may leave shortly after. But for now...” There was still a tinge of anger in his voice, but Aaron at least managed to regain control of his emotions.

Turning around, he flapped his wings in order to ascend and fly away. Yet before he took off completely, his tail whipped out with all its power, destroying the pearl still sitting on top of the thin roots.

And together with the scattering lights of the now broken magic-pearl, Aaron took to the skies, his figure vanishing within the rising mist of the border forest.

Afterward, for a long time the whole area around the tree was kept in an uncomfortable silence, the atmosphere heavy.

However, no one was able to hear the silent whisper of the tree, it's gaze looking up into the empty sky that seemed to stretch into infinity.

[I am sorry, I failed you father, mother...]

-POV: Aaron Geyser-

Entering the room, I found Arin laying on his bed, the sheets lying beside him while his head remained buried in the pillows.

Both his ears lay powerlessly on his head, only twitching a bit every now and then. Even his tails which usually are at least actively moving around are currently just lying there, some of which are bandaged at several locations where we had to clean out the wounds.

There were still some minor bloodstains decorating his tail-fur where the bandage ends, probably from the wounds reopening when he moved. Still, it has been two days since the accident and Arin hasn't even spoken to us. Anna and Alice were also shocked, yet they at least ate well and interacted with us. Even Sumi held together rather well, trying her best to calm down from the shock by staying beside the other girls.

Arin however never left his bed, not even speaking to Saria who visited him several times a day.

Luckily he doesn't appear to need food or water to live, yet him having no appetite worries me.

Even Lumi visited me once, telling me that Arin doesn't even speak to her, mentioning that his thoughts are chaotic as far as she can tell, and that worries me even more.

I know I lost my cool back then and even killed the Phoenix in front of him, yet that was a reality he would have to face himself sooner or later. Though, I hoped the impact wouldn't be as harsh...

“fuuuh...”

Taking a deep breath, I leave the doorway and make my way over to Arin's bed, waiting a bit before taking a seat beside him.

Sitting there, I wanted to say something, yet my head suddenly felt empty... What should I tell him? What can I talk about? I had so many things I wanted to tell him, ask him or encourage him with, yet nothing came to mind, my head feeling like a blank piece of paper.

Was it necessary? Lumi told me that sometimes you just have to be there for him...

However, since neither he nor I am speaking, the air remained silent and the situation slowly became awkward.

While I waited, slowly beginning to feel uncomfortable, Arin's muffled and weak voice resounded.

"You… killed because you tried protecting us, didn't you…" His voice was weak and shaking, the faint noise of sobbing in his tone telling me that he was crying. I first just wanted to nod, yet Arin wasn't looking at me, so he wouldn't see it.

The mood was dark, yet I decided to speak the truth. "Yes… but I also lost myself in my anger… I am sorry you had to see… you had to see me like this…" I didn't know why, but my heart hurt when I was talking about it. Maybe I never wanted him to see my dark side? I mean, there are only few people who willingly show their loved ones their own faulty side…

Then, for a long time silence descended. Neither Arin nor I spoke, both of us just waiting there. This time it was once more him who broke the silence, his words surprising me.

"Thanks… thanks for coming to protect us… I know it was…but… but I couldn't…" His voice slowly became worked up, the sound of crying becoming more evident. However, I didn't know how to handle this, so without much thinking, I placed my hand on Arin's head, the latter freezing for a moment before relaxing again.

"Arin, you did great, you held out until we were able to come and help, you did great. Don't beat yourself up about what happened." I talked like that. It was Lumi who told me that Arin seemed to struggle with this, with the inability to act. Also, I believe he is scared, or was and has yet to let that out.

He is strong, but like me, he denies his fears and instead tries to act tough. So sitting there, I continue stroking Arin's head, his ears beginning to perk up again ever so slightly.

"But… I couldn't do anything… you told me I was strong… so how come I was unable to do anything?!" Arin, under tears, told me this. I didn't know if it was an accusation or a question, or maybe both.

Yet I realized my mistake. I always told him that he was strong and powerful, and that is no lie, but he seemed to have misunderstood in what comparison I was talking to him.

"Arin, you are strong, for someone your age you have practically surpassed all who came before you and those that have yet to come. You can trust me on this." I answered, yet Arin reacted immediately with an angry growl.

"But then, why couldn't I do anything? Even back in the caverns… wolf-mother, I was able to fight her… but…" This time he was facing me, his emerald-green eyes staring right at me. "Why couldn't I do anything…?!?" he repeated his question, this time more lost than anything.

I, taking in a long breath, once more tried to explain to him the truth about his power.

"Arin, you are probably the most powerful among your peers. However, back then in the caverns, Sumi's will still strongly lingered within your instinct for protection, which by now mostly vanished, meaning you need to learn how to protect and control yourself on your own. Yet you are still a child, you lack experience, training and control of your body, as well as an understanding of tactics and actions to take in combat. You tried your best, but you must have noticed how much it helped when Larso took command. You still have much to learn, just like I did when I was your age." Towards my words which came from the bottom of my heart, Arin was looking at me with wide open eyes, tears still dripping from his cheeks.

"Arin, you are still a child. Though I am training you, you can't be hasty. I know it is painful when you can't do anything, I have experienced the same thing many, many times, even now. But you mustn't give up because of it. Because, if you take this as a lesson and experience, you will grow to learn and adapt to such situations…

But in the end, you don't have to stress… I am just glad that you are okay… so please just grow up nice and slow…" This time even I felt my heart become lighter and relieved, the weight that was hanging onto my heart finally letting go. And what I told him was truly my heart's wish, hoping the boy would be able to learn how to handle the power that was given to him, allowing him to grow up healthy and strong, with family and friends supporting him all around. I don't want him to suffer the consequences of the hasty decisions of those that have long past. Because I believe that even he is aware that the growth he is experiencing is too fast. But only training and learning all the time isn't what a child needs, they should also be able to have fun, play and enjoy their childhood because... I know that I have wasted mine.

“B...But...” Arin tried to speak up, yet his voice was shaking, his eyes seemingly seeking some sort of confirmation from me. I know that gaze, one that tries to deny all fears, only to break beneath them.

“Arin, don't try to grow up too fast... you have done your best, and if you don't feel good, please tell us. No matter what it is, even if it is stupid, we will listen and help you get over it, you don't have to be the lonely warrior, trust me.”

Towards my words however, Arin's mouth started to quiver, his eyes growing misty as his hands balled up into fists. Deep sadness and fear showed themselves on his face, his body even slightly shaking.

So without holding back, I continued to stroke Arin's head, his ears jumping about in reaction while he himself broke out in tears.

*Sob, sob

"I… I… I was scared back then… scared that…" He broke out crying, tears running down his cheeks as he spoke, letting out everything that accumulated. However, I was scared as well, scared of losing you…

I didn't know if I should say it, yet I kept quiet in the end, continuing to just stroke and soothe Arin who was crying beside me.

“Its okay to be scared...because even I feel fear sometimes...” I softly spoke to him, trying to let him calm down while continuing to stroke his head.

And there I sat, stroking the head of Arin who continued to cry while letting out his fear. He sometimes mentioned how scared he was in that situation, how he was scared of death and that he couldn't do anything. In the end however, he was scared of losing everything, and I understood that very well... Because even I was unable to do anything when I saw that attack rain down on him...

Even I felt like crying, happy that in the end all of us were well and in good health, but I did my best to remain strong. So I just sat there, time passing slowly as I stayed by his side.

I didn't know how long I was sitting there next to him, comforting him. As even after his voice faded and only tears continued to drop from his eyes, I was still there. At some point I just picked him up softly and hugged him, his tears staining my clothes, yet I didn't care.

Trying to comfort him, I realized late that his breathing slowly evened out as time passed, his eyes closed while he slowly furled himself up in my arms. His face was still lacking the usual smile, yet at least he seemed more relaxed.

He had accumulated a lot lately, and Lumi told me that he barely slept, so seeing him finally relax and drift off into sleep, even with tears still covering his face, made me happy inside.

Using a handkerchief to wipe away the tears, I then carefully lay him back into bed, trying to prevent him from waking up again. Yet as I was about to cover him with the blanket, Arin's soft voice resounded, causing me to hiccup.

"Thanks… Dad…"

"!?!"

I… I don't admit to it, but something within me felt so warm that my whole face grew hot after I heard those words, a warm and fuzzy feeling spreading through my body.

For at that moment, I felt myself suddenly become conscious of something I had ignored until now…

I am a father… Maybe not in blood, but it is true that I see him not as just a nephew, but a son of mine... Unknowingly, I took the father-role since the beginning...

It was this event that caused a whole chain-reaction of events later, one that would bring joy to many... even me.