Kiro crashed onto the forest floor, chest heaving. Keeping up with the mystics' conversational jog had taken all he had. If it wasn't for his familiarity with the areas around his home, he might not have been able to keep up at all. Even now, he was collapsed in the middle of one of his shortcuts, trying to stay as quiet as possible. Seira and Rynn rounded the corner, their conversation reduced to hushed silence.

"Are you sure we shouldn't tell anyone?" Seira whispered.

"No. It's better this way."

"I guess so. I just… the clan… all our traditions…"

"Brave, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Would you risk it for some sentimentality?"

"No, I guess you're right."

Kiro pushed himself up, brow furrowed. This was a side of Rynn he had never seen before. Was this how he treated potential lovers? At the harvest, he had never seemed so self-centered as now. 'Once in a lifetime opportunity'? His sister could have any man in the clan, and here Rynn was saying that this was an opportunity for her? He opened his mouth, ready to interrupt, when a woman appeared from thin air.

He nearly fell back in shock, but managed to catch himself at the last second. Who was this? Silver locks — they were literally shimmering in the setting sun — cascaded down to just below her shoulders, falling upon an elaborate gray mystic's robe. The robe itself was attention-grabbing enough, but its electric-blue highlights didn't hold a candle to the woman's eyes. It was like staring into a whirlwind, as vast and powerful as the sky itself, but it also held a sense of comfort, like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day.

That was when he realized that he was staring, and ducked back behind the brush.

"Alright, apprentices. Today is the day. How do you two feel?"

"To be honest, honored Saint, a bit queasy."

This time, he did fall in shock. Thankfully, it didn't seem like anyone heard. A Saint? That was what they were here for! Saints weren't supposed to interfere with mortal affairs, yet this one had taken apprentices.

"Good, honored Saint."

Hah! Rynn was as unphased as always, even in the presence of an immortal. Kiro would have laughed if he hadn't been so terrified. What if the Saint caught him? Would she kill him? Would she take him and force him into an eternity of servitude? Then again, being a servant in the heavens would probably be hundreds of times better than anything the Hong clan had to offer.

The woman waved a hand, and a couple of plain brown bags floated towards them.

"Aww, I'm sorry, Seira. I know you're still trying to wrap your head around what your matriarch has done."

"I apologise. I just can't believe my entire existence was built around a twisted experiment. And my brother! His entire life was ruined because of a fault in the system!"

The Saint went in to give her a hug.

"Don't apologise! It's perfectly natural to feel this way. Finding out that your destiny is to be killed and sucked of your mana is never a fun experience — trust me, I would know. But we're leaving now! Once we ascend, she won't be able to get to you."

"But what about the rest of the clan? Can I really leave knowing that they could be tossed to the side as soon as the matriarch gets what she wants?"

"Remember, it's likely to be another century or two before that happens. And by then, even if I can't come back to free these people, you'll be powerful enough to do it yourself. "

"Yeah. I guess you’re right."

Seira wiped some tears away from her eyes, straightening.

Rynn cleared his throat, stepping between them.

"Pardon, honored Saint, but could we depart now?"

"Right. Right. Now, as you two know, ascension with another person is never comfortable. However, it is quick, and by going with me you're minimizing the risks. Just hold on tight to my hands and make sure to keep your mana cycling through your body, because once we arrive you'll probably feel like you're being choked."

The two moved next to her, carrying nothing but the bags at their hips.

"Take a last moment to say goodbye to your world."

Kiro opened his mouth. Then he closed it, then opened it again. He needed to get out. Whatever Hong Ma was doing, he couldn't be a part of it. It was one thing to know that he had been placed in the Suns out of necessity and because that was the most efficient use of resources. This? This was another thing entirely. All the abuse, all the hardship, all the nights spent crying because his own mother wouldn't talk to him, for a damn experiment?!?

They were ascending from this world. That was all he needed to know. If he could somehow convince the Saint to take him with them, even as a servant, he'd be free from this torture. He'd be able to escape, like he'd been about to do with his house. His house…

If he went away right now, he'd be leaving everything he'd worked for behind. His alchemy, the farms, the Suns who had just started warming up to Seira, all of that would be gone. Of course it was just as life started turning for the better that he was presented with this decision. A few years ago, he wouldn't have hesitated. Now, though? He didn't know. He sat there, frozen in indecision..

In the end, it was Rynn's presence that made the decision for him. This Sun that hadn't touched mana in his life had been elevated to Seira's level, thanks to the Saint. Power like that, he didn't even dream of it. Now, though, it could be his. He steeled himself, slowly standing up. He would have to hope the Saint was as compassionate with him as she had been with his sister…

***

Aer laughed, trying to come up with another thing to say. She had been stalling for the better part of a minute now, and soon she would have to call the man out. She didn't know who was trying to eavesdrop on her ascension, but she could sense that they at least had good intentions. From his breathing, she could tell that he was conflicted. Hopefully he would come out on his own. That would make things a whole lot easier.

Finally, he rose from the brush, prostrating himself before her. Her apprentices gasped, but she shushed them. She wanted to hear what he had to say.

"Honored Saint, please forgive this mortal's intrusion of your rituals. This humble farmer couldn't help but hear your description of his clan, and begs for any chance that he would be able to go with you. I am willing to work as much as I have to, no matter what task you place upon me. I would be honored if you would accept me even as a servant…"

"Rise, mortal. Show me your face.

He was younger than she had thought, right around Seira's age judging from his features… oh my. He looked almost exactly like Seira.