Chapter 142- Farewells And Unifications (Patreon)

The party gathered outside Shara’s home while Niya said her goodbyes. Jiran watched them hug through his aura. Shara placed her hand on Niya’s shoulder and then leaned in to give her some advice that he didn't eavesdrop long enough to hear.

“Don't be so glum, Morty. We'll be back together soon enough,” Cameron clapped Jiran on the back a little harder than necessary.

"Pfft, glum? This is called a smile, Cammy. If only you knew how excited I am to see an entirely new land that no imperial has ever explored. Where are you guys going again? I forgot…”

"Low blow, brother. Low blow."

"Merely a reminder of our unpaid debt, which I’ll be returning the minute we reunite."

"Oh c'mon, it was just a little embarrassment at the hands of a few soldiers! Hardly an inconvenience."

"Yet a debt is still a debt. We'll be even when I derive as much joy from your suffering as you did from mine," Jiran promised.

Olive shook her head with a rueful chuckle, "Okay you two, that's enough flirting. Jiran, stay out of trouble. Seriously, when you have an idea, whatever it is, don't do it. Please, for the love of my sanity, don't. Do. It. Mayalyn, I'm counting on you."

"I am understanding,” Mayalyn shot him a sly smile before throwing a little more fuel on the fire, “Though alone, chances succeed, very low."

Olive took Mayalyn’s joke with absolute gravity as she hugged her, "Thank you, you're the only one I can count on. Niya will go along with whatever he wants just to see what will happen. I know it's impossible for a single person to keep him out of trouble, but you're our only hope."

"Hey! I'm right here. And I hardly cause that much trouble." All three of their faces went slack as they stared at him while slowly shaking their heads.

Luckily, Niya and Shara arrived to save him from their unjust treatment. Shara dipped into a full curtsy before him. "Thank you, again. I swear I won't tell Grandfather anything about your involvement. It's the least I can do to repay you."

"Oh yeah, Lenton. I almost forgot, here." Jiran handed her the brooch that he had taken. "It's fine if he knows. Tell him I'm close to solving our curse. I only need a couple more pieces to finish the puzzle. But ahh, if you could give me a day before you call him, that would be appreciated."

"Of course! Anything for you, dear." She patted his cheek affectionately, “Come back anytime, you'll always have a home and a friend in Lordstone. Make sure you take care of Niya. She’s clumsy and crass, but deep down, she’s a complete sweetheart and she means well. She really does, even if she breaks everything she touches."

“Hey! I’m right here!” Niya’s outburst caused the rest of the group to burst into laughter, which only left her more stupefied.

Jiran recovered quickly and nodded to Shara with a stern expression, “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, she’s family. Thanks for giving her an opportunity to escape Lenton. I’m glad I was able to repay the favor.”

“You’re too sweet. Now off you go, it’s the middle of the night and I’m beyond exhausted.”

Jiran lifted Mayalyn into the air and They waved their goodbyes, the rest followed under their own power. As they moved straight up above the town and then Jiran spoke to Olive and Cameron, "We'll see you two soon. Try not to be too reckless, Olive, like when we first met!”

Olive lifted her nose into the air, her voice turning to what Jiran imagined a typical snobbish noble sounded like, “I have never been reckless a day in my life! For one such as yourself to make such an insinuation is a stain upon my hono—pfft!” Her facade cracked and she descended into giggles before giving him a warm smile, “We’ve got the armor you made us, that should keep us plenty safe. You worry about yourself.”

“Yeah, yeah, we’re both probably about to get into heaps of trouble. Oh well, nothing new there. In case you change your mind and want to join us, I'll check the portal every three days. If we can't find any beasts of the right tier, then we'll head to the Northwest Graymin front in three days instead."

Olive nodded sharply, “Very well. May you thrive, and may we meet again soon." With those parting words, Olive and Cameron flew northeast while Jiran, Mayalyn, and Niya headed southeast.

***

Jiran’s aura swept over the cave entrance of The People’s cavern. He spotted both Gourga and Rakech, the two tier five hunters who had saved so many during their escape from Azurelight. They stood from their hiding spots and waved after he tapped against their auras in greeting.

“You’ve grown more powerful, again. Truly the koroko is an existence beyond my ability to fathom.”

“He is not the only one, congratulations on reaching the fourth tier, Mayalyn.”

“Has the Aahmra returned?” Mayalyn asked bluntly, not bothering with niceties toward the two men.

“Still upset with us? Oh come now, no need to scowl so fiercely.” When her glare only intensified, Gourga sighed and answered her question, “No, the Aahmra has not returned.”

Mayalyn didn’t waste any more of her time on the hunters, immediately turning and heading down the cave entrance. Jiran gave them both a respectful nod and they returned it with matching, sharp-toothed grins.

“What was that about?” Niya wondered aloud as they flew into the dark tunnel after Mayalyn.

“Those two kidnapped her under their leader's orders. They gave her up peacefully as soon as I found them and they didn’t hurt her or anything.”

“Sounds like quite the story,” She tilted her head to the side.

“Yeah, it was pretty intense. I’ll tell you about it another time.”

The cavern was much the same as the last time he saw it. The major difference was the smell of freshly cut wood and the dozens of wooden decorations placed sporadically throughout the space. Most of the hovels now also had real doors, and shutters in their windows, lending them the atmosphere of more permanent homes. Led by his aura, which now easily encompassed the entirety of the cave, they arrived at a freshly dug-out home that didn’t yet have a door. Mathra and Pepa stood inside under the light of a single lantern.

On the floor beneath them was a damp plank of wood in the rough shape of a door. Upon spotting them, Mathra hopped to her feet and pounced at Mayalyn, wrapping her in a bone-breaking hug, “Back so soon? It's hardly an adventure if you come home every other day, Maymay.”

Pepa approached Jiran with a wide grin and they clasped hands. When the man shook his hand side to side, Jiran didn’t resist and both their faces split into matching goofy grins, “This is my cousin, Niya. The three of us are going to use the portal, though we aren’t going to the island,” Jiran nodded toward the abandoned piece of wood that was rapidly curling back into its original shape. “Need a hand?”

“Sure, sure. These trees are stubborn like you would not believe. Well, you are from here, so perhaps you know exactly how stubborn they are! It is an honor to meet you, Niya of Feylon. I am Pepa Aloyhee, low-brother of the Aahmra, and this is my mate, Mathra Soraffa.” Jiran enjoyed the sound of the man’s lilting accent—a perfect match for Mayalyn’s.

“It’s uhm, nice to… meet you both,” Niya stumbled over her words as her eyes roved over their ears, tails, and sharp claws.

Jiran followed Pepa to the slab of wood, leaving Niya stuttering in the empty doorway, “I was more of a delivery boy than a crafter. I helped carry a few trees, but never worked on them.” They each took a side and stretched it flat once more. Looking up, Jiran noted the part of Pepa’s ear that was missing, and since he was full on mana and it was such a minor injury, he didn’t give his offer much thought, “I can heal your ear for you, if you want.”

“What? Oh stars above, no! She would only bite it off again and it hurt more than enough the first time.”

“Uh, nevermind then.” Jiran laughed awkwardly. Taking his mind off the implications of how crazy Mathra and Pepa’s relationship was, Jiran activated Mana Confluence, spreading the energy over and into the plank of wood. He broke down the portions of its structure that were trying to curl and remade it to stay flat and smooth.

“W-what just happened? Now you want to cooperate? What a thrice-cursed, sap-filled monstrosity.” Pepa grumbled as they hefted the density-packed wood outside and leaned it against the opening in their home. Niya stepped out of their way, only to be caught in Mathra’s clutches and dragged out of sight.

Jiran held it up while Pepa carefully cut it into the right shape with a crude stone saw. Jiran spotted what they planned to use for hinges in a neat pile nearby and floated them into his hand. They were made of chiseled stone and looked sturdy, if roughly shaped. He could immediately tell they would make a terrible scraping noise each time the door was opened or closed. Wisps of Mana Confluence flowed into each of them, and within seconds, they were made of incredibly smooth interlocking metal that wouldn't make a sound.

He handed them to Pepa and the man blinked several times at the new hinges before the light of realization shone in his eyes. “That is quite the trick. What else can you make? We could really use some decent tools to work all this rock…”

“Sure, I’d be happy to help. I can pretty much turn anything into metal, or whatever other material you want. Having a little bit of the final product and the original object you want transmuted saves a lot of mana though.”

“Amazing! O-okay! Stay right here, I will only be a moment!” He scampered away toward the edge of the cave where a steady thumping could be heard; no doubt the result of The Peoples’ efforts to expand their relatively small cavern.

Jiran quickly finished shaping the door with mana and held it in place with his aura. He then set the hinges before pushing the metal nails through both the wood and stone wall. Once done, he headed inside to find the girls shoulder to shoulder digging through some of the recovered books from the Maker’s laboratory. He didn’t interrupt them, instead moving through their small kitchen space and replacing each stone tool with a sturdy metal version that would make their lives a little easier.

Mayalyn released an excited squeal as she picked up a particular book. “Yes! This is the one. Thank you for taking care of these.”

“Of course, dear. I know how much they mean to you. Have you three already had supper? We don’t have much but I’d be happy to put something together,” Mathra’s rumbling voice was full of affection as she tucked a strand of hair behind Mayalyn’s ear.

Mayalyn shook her head, “We ate already, and we will not be staying long.”

“Won’t you at least stay for the night?” She turned to Jiran, wrapping him in a gentle hug that filled him with maternal warmth. When she pulled away, he couldn’t help but wish it had lasted a moment longer. She spotted the sparkling metal chopping knife in his hand and released a gasp. “That is beautiful! Did you bring that for me? What a wonderful, thoughtful child you are. Mayalyn! I think we need to discuss making your relationship a more formal union.”

Mayalyn spluttered, her face turning bright red, “You promised not to interfere!” Mathra ignored her completely, moving through her home and picking up each piece of intricately shaped metal that Jiran had formed for them. “You made these… with a Skill?” Mathra’s whisper was full of wonder as she pierced him with damp eyes.

Jiran nodded, a tingling glow spread through his chest and limbs before it blossomed into a smile that he couldn’t wipe from his face no matter how hard he tried. “I think we can afford to stay the night, Mayalyn. I’m sure there are a lot of people who could use an upgraded knife or hammer. Besides, didn’t you want to teach Mathra how to convert density? That’s going to take a few hours at least.”

Mayalyn’s eyes grew wide as her mouth fell open into a perfect O-shape, “I completely forgot! Mathra, my circulating is nearly sixty now. I have so much to show you!”

Mathra gasped, her gaze now locked on Mayalyn, the knife still firmly clutched in her fingers. She turned her head to look outside, only for her vision to be blocked by the newly secured door. “Where did your father run off to? He will want to know as well.”

Jiran answered her, “He went to gather some tools for me to convert into metal. He said he would be right back.”

“I see. Hmm, It will be more fun to teach him myself later anyway,” A diabolical smile crept across her lips, “When he returns, please tell him to organize anyone who wants your help, though many will probably decline.” She spun the knife around, extending the hilt to Jiran, “This will probably convince most.” However, Instead of relinquishing the blade, she held onto it with a death grip, the muscles in her arm quivering as the handle of the blade creaked ominously. Jiran had to pull with considerable strength before she finally let go. Her breathing was labored as she looked down at it in his hand like he had stolen a newborn babe from her arms. When she met his eyes again, she at least had the decency to look embarrassed before turning toward Mayalyn, “Show me what you have learned, then, we will plan your unification Ceremony.”

“Mother!” Jiran chuckled as he went outside to greet the dozen men and women who were marching determinedly toward the hovel, Pepa in the lead. Niya followed him and the second she spotted the wide variety of animal-human hybrids coming their way, she froze in her tracks.

It only took a minute to convince them to spread the word. Before long, Pepa had organized a line and newcomers happily joined the queue after seeing others walk away with sparkling new tools. Each household was allowed to bring two items for Jiran and Niya to transmute. Most wanted metal tools, though some chose soft cloth for bedding. A hunter brought them a slab of tier four meat the size of Jiran’s chest as compensation from the entire village. Jiran and Niya gladly took it and ate the meal, converting it to more mana so they could finish everyone's requests.

By the time the last family thanked them and left, they were exhausted and quietly tiptoed into the dark hovel to find Mathra and Mayalyn meditating inside. With only half of his mana remaining, Jiran chose not to transmute anything else, knowing he would need his mana to activate the teleportation platform in the morning. He picked a spot in the corner and firmed his aura beneath him until it mimicked a squishy cloud of feathers. Niya picked the opposite corner and shot him an annoyed look when she failed to replicate his trick with her own aura.

Mayalyn’s gentle voice soothed him into a blissful state of relaxation as she coached Mathra through the process of controlling circulating manually. The two quietly bickered back and forth, smiling all the while.

Crazy that it’s only been a few days since the last time I was here. Everything’s been such a rush since I ascended. Rescuing Niya, dealing with Markhiss, and learning about the Enders. Mortan and my first taste of what the imperial army is like. We killed so many Graymin, and if not for the remalon showing up, we would have probably killed the last of them by now.

Remalon… What an awesome evolution that choice turned out to be. Because of that, I was able to save Shara, and I had enough mana to help The People a little. Olive and Cameron reaching tier five and unlocking their auras was really fun, too. It’s been hard, and lots of surprises along the way, but yeah, it’s been a good week.

I can’t wait for whatever’s coming next. Those tree-people are really interesting, if a bit… zealous. Hopefully, things go smoothly. Yeah, I’m sure it’ll be fine, they seemed nice.

The wholesome sounds of a mother and daughter enjoying each other's company turned out to be a fantastic lullaby. Jiran’s eyes closed and he fell asleep, completely at peace.