She pouted her lips for a few seconds before a yawn escaped her.
"Brother here," she mumbled, her eyes already beginning to close. His hearty chuckle made me smile as he knelt down on his knees to be on the same height as his little sister.
She must have been five or six.
"I forgot something for school. I came to pick it up. Did you need someone to tuck you in?" he asked.
"Guardia was supposed to. He said he sensed people," she replied. I frowned, looking over my shoulder down the hall to see if anyone was coming.
Damn, he already knows we're here.
"Ah. He must have sensed me. I gotta go quickly before he catches me. You won't tell him I'm here, right?" Ryuu encouraged.
I looked back to see her shake her head. "No, brother. No see you. I want a hug." She opened her arms up, her eyes still closed. Ryuu hugged her, lifting her off the ground as he rose up.
She rested her head on his shoulder, and he turned to meet my gaze. "Her bedroom is near the artifact room."
I nodded in understanding, not wanting to leave his sister to walk back to her room alone. We made our way down the hall cautiously, but I kept my magic on guard in case I had to use an invisibility spell or something.
It wasn't long before we reached her room. By the time he laid her onto her light blue ducky-themed bed sheets, she was already asleep.
He tucked her in and kissed her on the forehead. "Night, sis."
We slowly ventured out of her room, and Ryuu left the door slightly open. "She doesn't like sleeping in complete darkness," he commented.
"She's super cute," I complimented.
He smirked in agreement as the two of us moved down the hall. I followed Ryuu's lead as we reached a door, but he paused in front of it, looking deep in thought.
"I have one older brother who doesn't give a damn. He did in the beginning, but once he was stronger and higher in power rank within our shifter race, he ditched us completely. He abandoned us to die, so he wouldn't have to carry the burden of raising us. I hate him with far more passion than our own Guardia."
I held my tongue, unsure how to respond.
If I knew more about his past, maybe I could be able to respond accurately, but we’d just met. We'd need more time for both of us to learn more about one another, especially when it came to each other's pasts.
"Needless to say, I vowed to never abandon my sis. I’d rather die protecting her than abandon her over something as silly as power. Strength can come and go. Once your family is gone, you can't get them back."
"That's true," I whispered, remembering my Dad in the hospital bed, connected to many tubes and wires. "It makes you regret not spending enough time with them."
Ryuu turned around to meet my sad gaze, both of us exchanging an understanding on the rather sensitive subject.
"Yeah," he replied, giving me a small smile. "I come off as an aggressive individual. It takes me some time to analyze a person before I know whether to build a taller wall around me or if it’s safe to lower it for that new person. Dragon shifters are one of the many species who can't trust easily, but I'll apologize for my rough behavior when we met. I don't do friendships often."
I took a step forward and smiled. "I get it and don't blame you. Many would think of this initiation as just what it is. A competition. None of you guys needed to help me, and you and Wolfgang certainly didn't have to join when you didn't know much about my circumstances. In fact, I'm sure you guys still have some questions, just as anyone would, but I'm grateful to have some help. I don't know what S.S.S. has to offer, but I hope we pass this test. I don't have many friends either, so it would be nice to be around you guys during this new beginning."
Presenting my hand to him once more, I gave him a wide grin. "Silver Spell Solange."
The smile that blossomed on his face was pure joy and acceptance as he raised his hand to shake mine, wrapping it firmly.
"Ryuunosuke Kensuke. Let's ace this quest and tackle whatever S.S.S. has coming our way."
9
Borrowing From King Kensuke
"The others are coming over here. None of them saw the Guardia as of yet, but we weren't going to take our chances," I announced, slipping my phone back into my back pocket.
"Guardia is pretty detailed with his searches. I think we got a bit of time," Ryuu replied, looking through the room we just entered.
The artifact room was neatly decorated; everything followed the same theme throughout the palace of red and gold.
The carpet was dark red and all the furniture was gold. The weapon artifacts were placed intricately on the walls, while some items like daggers and staffs were in glass cases.
There was a whole jewelry cabinet that was taller than Ryuu standing in the corner of the room, but after thoroughly checking it, there weren't any rings.
"Where could it be?" I mumbled to myself, feeling a tad nervous at how much time we'd already spent searching.
Of course, my uni-kitten had returned, running around my feet after I told her not to play with anything.
I looked down to her and she immediately rolled onto her back, excited to have my full attention.
Giving up on trying to ignore her sheer cuteness, I knelt down to rub her belly, while looking at the ceiling. There were large square gold vents, which helped keep the house cool during the summer months by circulating chilled air.
Ryuu said there wasn't a lot of air pollution in these parts since the mountain was completely off limits. They still had workers come and clean the vents monthly, at the request of his parents.
I wondered what significance Ryuu's parents had on his upbringing and why his older brother would have abandoned him.
Power was indeed a big influence on many individuals, making them forget where they came from and those who stuck by their side before they reached the level of status or fame.
Though I hadn't yet seen any of the guys’ true potential, I could tell they weren't the average shifters. They hid their power well, only adding to my curiosity as I juggled the thoughts of Wolfgang being Ryuu’s "brother".
"You still didn't give her a name," Ryuu announced, tugging me away from my thoughts.
"Right," I replied. "Let's go with Star?" I suggested.
"Why is that?" he asked. I looked down to meet his curious eyes as he closed the jewelry cabinet.
"I love astrology. It's something my Dad was into. He'd buy these huge telescopes and we'd stargaze for hours. Before he got sick and I knew how to use my magic to aid me in flying, we flew far up into the sky to watch the stars up close. It was a dazzling experience and one I'll always remember since it was the last time I saw my Dad at his true strength. Even with him gone, they still bring joy to me. Calling her Star will remind me of how the stars always calmed me down when I was anxious or scared. Just how uni-kitten comes out to calm me down when I need it," I explained.
"That's a deep meaning," Ryuu commented. "Fits her well."
We shared a smile before a clacking sound could be heard above. Peering up, I paused in my stomach rubbing to focus my full attention on the vents above us.
"Mewr!" Star was suddenly flying upward, glittering stars whirling around her like she was a tiny tornado until her little paws were on the gold metal surface.
"Star. Is something there?" I inquired, my hands already tingling with magic as I focused to gather a ball of energy in case we were about to be attacked.
"Mewr." She moved back and stared at the panel she'd tapped. My ears picked up a sniffing sound.
Oh.
"Why do I have a feeling that's the stalker?” Ryuu mumbled.
"I'm not a stalker."
Ryuu grinned while I snickered at Dimitri's hollow voice. There was a clicking noise, and the vent panel moved to reveal Dimitri's head as he poked through.
"Mewr." Star flew up to nudge his nose with hers.
"Oh. Hey there uni-kitten. Didn't know you could fly or well...magically float," Dimitri greeted, petting her head. He l
ooked my way. "Are you nervous, Blossom?"
"A little," I confessed. "Why did you guys go through the vent?"
"I found Guardia. He's on the lower floor. I found the others and we went through the vent to find you guys. Thought it would be better than texting," he explained.
Dropping down head first, his body flipped so he landed on his feet. Star lowered down to sit on his head, and he began sniffing the room.
"Were you guys able to find it yet?" Yuriel's head popped through the open space before he, too, dropped down, but at a graceful pace, flipping like he was being carried by the air itself.
Ryuu and I just stared at him with wide eyes. "Do all angels fall so gracefully?" Ryuu wondered.
"I'm not sure, but I'd totally want to see that again," I replied.
Yuriel smiled slightly, walking over to stand next to me. "Wolfgang is securing an exit through the vent system. Just in case we have to ditch."
"How is that going to work?" I asked.
"He's leaving his scent through the correct path. That way Dimitri can lead us back easily," Yuriel replied.
"Stalker's nose is so useful," Ryuu praised.
"I'm not a stalker, and I don't know if I should accept that as a compliment," Dimitri replied, but kept sniffing the air.
He moved toward a row of glass counters, his sniffing efforts not stopping.
"What are you sniffing for?" Ryuu asked. "You can't possibly sniff out the ring."
Dimitri paused and looked to meet our stares, a confident grin forming on his smooth lips. "You really underestimated the power of scent."
"How would he smell out the ring?" I asked.
"Seems impossible. It's metal," Yuriel added.
Dimitri put his hands over his head, stretching while he took a deep inhale. Letting his breath out slowly, he closed his eyes and looked as though he was almost meditating.
I exchanged looks with the others, all of us standing there wondering what he was doing.
Star was sitting patiently on his shoulder, her tail moving side to side and sprinkling glitter onto the carpet.
Dimitri opened his eyes, and we gasped at how they were immersed in vibrant gold. He took his time to scan the room completely, before moving right up to the row of glass displays.
His hand trailed the countertop, a ghostly stream of orange and gold wrapping around his palm as he continued to move along.
Suddenly he stopped, taking another deep inhale and letting it out slowly.
"Mewr." Star dropped down onto the glass, squeezing under Dimitri's hovering hand to poke her nose at a specific spot.
"Found you," Dimitri whispered with triumph, his eyes slowly returning to their amber lava appearance.
He looked our way, noticing our shocked expressions. "Sense of smell can be heightened with enough magic and skill. Blossom, come over here. The leader has to hold onto the ring."
"Right!" I replied, walking over to where Dimitri was.
Ryuu followed, helping us open the sectioned glass while Yuriel stood closer to the door, listening for any approaching footsteps.
Picking up the ruby red box, I needed a second to calm my magic that began to fight against my usual restraint.
"Shit. This thing is powerful," I muttered through clenched teeth, closing my eyes and inhaling sharply.
I couldn't let an object take over my power, one risk out of many when it came to magic artifacts. Their power grew the longer they were left without an owner, and from the way the energy pulsing within the box tried to tug at my own mana reserve I knew it had been ownerless for some time.
I felt something rub my back, soothing energy wrapping around me and seeming to ease the pulling coming from the ring's box.
Opening my eyes, I noticed Ryuu was the one who had his hand placed on my back. "That section is for artifacts created one hundred or more years ago. It's expected to combat against anyone who touches it, even my dad. Just take a few more breaths and try to communicate with it. Let it know you are wanting to bring it a better future than staying within a jewel box. It'll stop trying to fight you."
"Even though we can't guarantee it'll be out for long?" I defended.
"A bit of sunshine after years of confinement is a change it wouldn't want to miss out on. Give it a try," Ryuu encouraged.
"All right." I closed my eyes, zoning the world out until I stood solely in darkness.
My hand was still out, holding the simple red velvet box. As I stared at it, the magic began to pour from it, spilling onto the solid black floor and slowly taking shape.
It grew in size, becoming triple my height, to the point it had to bend over to even peer down at me.
Though this situation was new to me, I felt confident in my own skin.
This darkened space was my territory — an element I could control with my own mental commands. I didn't feel any negativity from the golden essence; instead, a wave of inquisitiveness wrapped around me as the large figure tilted what I assumed was its head.
Freedom?
"Not quite. We need you in order to pass our initiation exam. I cannot promise that we'll be able to keep you, nor can I be sure that you'll have to return to this box that cradles your physical body. However, we will open you and may even need your assistance once we read the instructions on how to activate you. Think of this as a simple getaway from this closed space. An opportunity for you to see the world you once saw with your previous master many years prior to now. I may or may not be able to earn your trust, but I ask for you to help us in hopes we can give you a chance to view our world, which has grown into something magical."
Everything I said was the truth, and I hoped it could sense it from my words. With a nod, it dashed toward me, wrapping around my body like a blanket before pouring itself back into the box.
Opening my eyes, I raised an eyebrow at the new close-up view of Yuriel, staring into his starry eyes as he peered down at me.
I was no longer was standing as I had been in the dark world of my subconscious.
Instead, I was lying in Yuriel's arms with Ryuu and Dimitri peering over from Yuriel's sides.
"Blossom? You there?" Dimitri worriedly asked.
"The ring was a lot more powerful than I thought," Ryuu confessed.
"Silver. You all right? Do you know who we are?" Yuriel cut to the chase, looking a bit worried with my prolonged silence.
"Did anyone tell you your eyes are like the starry sky?" I asked.
"And she's dealing with magic high," Ryuu groaned.
"What's that?" Dimitri asked.
"It's when your magic spikes super high and suddenly drops. You go into a minute or two of magic high, which is like a combination of being tipsy and disoriented," Yuriel explained.
"High all the time," I sang with a smile, leaning my head against Yuriel's chest.
"Mewr!" Star hopped onto my lap, sitting down to peer at me before taking her time to walk onto my chest until her head was in my line of vision.
She stared into my eyes for a long moment, and I got lost in the shift of colors until something seemed to click in my mind.
"Huh? Why am I lying down?" I wondered, looking back up to see Yuriel's face. I felt myself begin to blush at our closeness, and I sat up. "Shit. Did I black out or something?"
"Thanks, Star. We needed that," Dimitri praised the uni-kitten.
"Mewr!" She hopped off of me to run around our huddled group in happiness.
"I wanted to see how she acted, though," Ryuu admitted.
I gave him a look before shuffling out of Yuriel's hold and attempting to stand up. "I'm fine now. Let's get out—"
My feet felt like jelly, which was new to me, especially when I didn't feel magically exhausted. Yuriel was up and had me in his arms once again.
"You don't like people helping you," he pointed out.
He's not wrong.
My family always said the same thing. I never wanted to burden anyone. I would rather crawl then let someone carry me, but in this case, I felt
like I didn't have a choice.
I shrugged at his on-point commentary, glancing back to my hand that had the ring box. Lifting it closer to eye level, I flicked the lid open, revealing the mesmerizing ring.
The picture on the quest sheet did not do the piece of jewelry justice, for it was absolutely stunning, from the golden band to the different colored gems that had a slight glowing tinge to them. It had one centered jewel and four other jewels that cradled around it.
The power pulsing from it was soothing compared to the heavy void from before. Grinning with pride, I slowly took the jewel out and held it in my hand.
"We got our ring," I announced.
Ryuu walked over to take the box from me, putting it back in its place while Dimitri moved to face us, taking a closer look at the ring.
"Where are you going to store it if we don't have the box?"
Good point...Hmm. I know!
With a wide smile, I met his intrigued eyes that followed my hand as I slipped it under my shirt and securely into my bra.
Dimitri blushed, returning his gaze back up to see my prideful expression.
"There. Nice and safe."
"You have got to be kidding me," he noted, moving back to stand next to Ryuu. "Is it really safe in...uh there?"
"Sure," I replied. "Never lose my phone when I'm running. Girl A and B will surely protect the ring."
"Must be nice to be a woman," Yuriel muttered.
A loud hissing sound caught our attention, all four of us glancing to the door where Star was hissing. "Uh oh," I voiced.
"Time to go," Dimitri announced, racing to where the open space in the vent was.
He pushed off the ground with ease, grabbing onto the sides of the square opening and pulling himself up.
Ryuu was next, readying himself to jump as he lowered into a squat when the rattling of the doorknob made us all freeze.
SHIT!
"Guardia?"
I recognized the quiet, childlike voice, realizing it was Ryuu's little sister.
"Why are you awake, princess? You're usually asleep by the early evening," an unfamiliar deep voice questioned.
SSS: Year One (Supernatural Spy School Book 1) Page 10