Peter and the Heart of Alchemy (War of Contractia Book 5)

by Tj Dixon

  “It seems a few of my underlings were a bit naughty. I would punish them, but it seems you already did a good enough job of it earlier. Anyway, I’m returning this.” The girl shrugs and hands a small rose brooch to Peter. After a moment I recognise it as Rose’s brooch.

  “Thank you.” Peter says sounding surprised.

  “Why you accept such filth into your club though, I don’t know. I guess you must be desperate, but even desperation has its limits.” The girl says and ports away before Peter can say anything.

  “What was that about?” Cherry asks.

  “There was a bit of an incident earlier. It seems it was resolved much easier than I expected though. This is yours, Rose.” Peter says and hands the brooch to Rose who is now standing beside him with Lily.

  “What did she mean by filth?” Cherry asks.

  “It was just an insult. Don’t worry about it.” Peter shrugs. Then he turns back to me. “If you’re not feeling well, you’re welcome to skip today’s training.”

  “No. I’m fine.” I say, wiping my tears away again. I seem to have stopped crying.

  “Let’s work together.” Rose says to me, which makes me blink. It seems friendly, but I have to wonder whether she plans to blackmail me. Everyone who blackmails me acts friendly at first. As long as she doesn’t reveal my secret I suppose it’s fine.

  “Ok.” I nod fearfully.

  “Everyone, pair up.” Rin calls out from the other side of the training grounds. I look guiltily at Juliet but Sherry or Cherry is approaching her so she should be alright. Then I look back at Rose nervously.

  “No need to look so worried.” Rose smiles calmly. “I don’t bite.”

  “Sorry.” I apologise.

  “I also don’t break my promises.” Rose assures me. I feel guilty for doubting her, but the doubt is still there. I’ve been too badly betrayed to completely trust anyone.

  (Kai)

  I’ve had enough of these Contractians. The brats may mostly be easier to work with than that noble woman’s mages, but I’ve still had enough. I don’t have many possessions but I made and sold a few tools and minor gems. Now I have enough Contractian coins to leave this town for the provincial capital. Utopia Camerona. I will earn a living there one way or another. Nobody will know me so it should work out. Hopefully. That’s why I am at the entrance to the town hall, to get a port boost.

  “Saya.” I mutter as I see a familiar face leaving the front entrance. A face I never expected to see again. A face I hoped never to see again.

  “Kai…” She says a little shocked. Then she smiles brightly. “What a surprise to see you here.”

  “So you’re not here to…?”

  “I had no idea you were here, so I don’t have permission to kill you.” She shrugs, a little annoyed. Actually a lot annoyed is probably more accurate, though she only reveals a little of her annoyance.

  “So has the empire sided with Contractia?” I ask cautiously.

  “We’re neutral still. Siding with Contractia when it may be close to falling would be foolish. If you want to know more you’ll have to fight me and capture me alive. You should know I’d rather die than talk though, so your chances of success are close to zero.”

  “It’s not my fight. I’ll pretend I didn’t see you here if you do the same.” I shrug.

  “Until I get permission to kill you.” She smiles brightly.

  “If Contractia really does fall though, wouldn’t the empire be next?” I ask curiously.

  “Who knows?” She shrugs. “Now if you wouldn’t mind, how about waiting there while I get permission to kill you?”

  “No thanks.” I laugh and head into the town hall as she leaves. She must be here to kill someone, but I’m glad it isn’t me. I feel slightly guilty for not interfering with her murderous plans, but she is an enemy I cannot beat. I really will die if I don’t leave now. Besides she is just one of many, and I am only a person. I’m not a god. It’s not my responsibility.

  (Peter)

  Training is over and everyone is porting back to their rooms. I am about to do the same when I feel something staring at me. I turn but it is only a small black bird. It reminds me of the Death Bird for a moment, which brings a sharp jolt of fear.

  It isn’t anything like a Death Bird though, so fear is replaced by relief after the moment it takes me to see it for what it really is. I am the last one now so I port back to my room. Rin, Hermes, Asuna, Angelika and Lucy are all standing waiting for me with a glass of happy juice in their right hand. Lucy’s glass is of course tiny and would only hold enough for a sip if she wasn’t so tiny herself. I quickly take my glass from the table.

  “To freedom!” Rin cheers raising her glass to Hermes’ glass.

  “To freedom!” Hermes smiles. In moments we’ve all brought our glasses together.

  “Freedom!” We all cheer as one. It is a little ironic because Asuna and Angelika are still slaves, but they are happy for Hermes and neither is willing to accept their own freedom.

  There is a knock on the door and we all turn to face it. I open the door with magic. As expected Yu Kii and her little sister Haru Kii are standing the other side of the door. Haru Kii looks as shy as ever but Yu Kii herds her inside.

  “Your drinks are here.” I say, pointing at the two full glasses sitting on the table.

  “Thank you.” Yu Kii says and Haru Kii bows. They then take their drinks and join in our next toast.

  “Freedom!” We cheer again.

  “Congratulations Hermes.” Yu Kii says with a big sincere smile.

  “Thanks.” Hermes blushes before chuckling. “It’s not often I’m the centre of attention like this.”

  “So have you decided?” Yu Kii asks.

  “Yes, I’m taking up Rin’s invitation. We’ll share a room from next week. Until then I’ll stay here.” Hermes answers.

  “I could use the company, given that someone abandoned me.” Rin smiles.

  “It wasn’t…!” Yu Kii starts to protest.

  “I know it wasn’t.” Rin laughs. Haru Kii is glaring at her until Rin notices. Then Haru Kii quickly looks at the floor as if it is the most interesting thing in the world. “Anyway, I’m glad that I’ll soon be sharing with Hermes, though I am a bit worried about Peter taking advantage of Asuna and Angelika.”

  “There’s no way I would!” I protest, though Asuna is very tempting. Especially since she has said she wouldn’t mind, but she may just be saying that out of a sense of duty. So I can’t.

  “Why would he when he has you and Hermes?” Haru Kii asks which makes me gulp.

  “Has me and… Hermes?” Rin asks rather taken aback. Hermes furiously tries to dodge her gaze, but it is of course useless. Rin glares at Hermes and asks. “What don’t I know?”

  “When I was freed, I confessed to Peter.” Hermes whispers. Then she looks at Yu Kii accusingly. “How did Haru Kii know?”

  “Sorry, but Asuna told me at training and I told Haru Kii.” Yu Kii admits.

  “Asuna…?” Hermes says with an angry glare at Asuna.

  “Sorry. I did say to keep it a secret.” Asuna winces.

  “Oh well… I suppose one more competitor is fine. But I’m not letting you win.” Rin tells Hermes.

  “So are we still ok to share a room?” Hermes asks nervously.

  “Of course.” Rin grins. Then there is another knock on the door. I wasn’t expecting anyone else, so I am a bit surprised, but I open the door with magic again.

  “Sherry…” I say seeing her standing by the door looking a little stunned.

  “Am I interrupting something?” Sherry asks, clearly embarrassed.

  “Not exactly. We were celebrating Hermes’ freedom. Did you need something?” I ask.

  “It can wait. Would tomorrow be a good time to talk about the date?” Sherry asks and I recall that she did say she’d help organise my date with her sister. To be honest, with everything that has been going on I had completely forgotten about it.

  “Yes, tomor
row would be good.” I nod.

  “I’ll talk to you tomorrow then. Enjoy the celebration, and Hermes, congratulations on your freedom.” Sherry smiles.

  “Thanks.” Hermes smiles back. Then Sherry leaves, closing the door behind her.

  (Dairon)

  It seems the teachers have given up hunting for me. All of the faeries are with me though, so I should be alright even if the teachers resume the hunt. I am also now deep inside the forest too.

  “Your majesty.” Sakura says, appearing in front of me.

  “Yes, Sakura?” I ask curiously.

  “There’s a slight disturbance in the air. We can’t detect anyone, but there could be someone hiding nearby. We should move from here.”

  “It’s odd that they can hide from even your senses, but you’re right. We should move again. Please take care of it.” I answer, unhappy to be moving on again. I feel Sakura’s light flow over me and a moment later we are a fair distance away, though still in the forest.

  “The disturbance is still present.” Sakura frowns.

  “We should move further.”

  (Jenny)

  It is late when there is a knock on my door. Another monster? I can’t think why else there would be a knock on my door at this time of night. I get up and create a ball of light in the centre of the room just below the ceiling. I check my pyjamas are tidy and then open the door with magic.

  “Dairon!” I exclaim in shock.

  “Jenny.” Dairon sighs, sounding very, very tired.

  “What’s wrong and why…?”

  “Why am I here? It seems that I am being pursued by a demon. I’ve fought it off a couple of times with the help of the faeries, but we really need someone who specialises in fire magic. It would have been dangerous to call on the club, because whoever sent the demon after me is probably a teacher at the academy.”

  “Is the demon nearby?” I ask, very concerned by the thought of facing a demon.

  “I doubt the demon is far behind me.” Dairon tells me.

  “We should fight outside. I don’t want to burn the building down. Let me get changed. I’ll meet you outside the main entrance.”

  “Thank you.” Dairon tells me, sounding very relieved and grateful. I close my door, take off my pyjamas and wash myself in about ten seconds. I then put on a plain red mage robe. It should keep me warm outside and has reasonable protection, despite its simple appearance.

  I port outside the main entrance to find Dairon already there. I open my senses wide but nothing seems out of place. I certainly can’t sense a demon.

  “What sort of demon is it?” I ask Dairon.

  “It had the appearance of a small tree when I first saw it, but it can change its appearance. It always seemed to remain attuned to the earth element though.”

  “Which is why you wanted fire magic. I’d like to avoid dragging the whole town into this. They’ve suffered enough already. Let’s port…” I start to say but Dairon stiffens and throws up a wind shield. The shield repels five evil looking metallic shards.

  “There!” Dairon calls, pointing at a flowing misshapen lump of metal.

  Fire may be great for wood, but against metal… Oh well, I can try to melt it. I summon a massive flame all around the metallic demon. Dozens of lightning strikes blast the demon too, but it appears unharmed. I intensify my flames but that doesn’t seem to help.

  “I guess there’s no choice. Keep it busy.” Dairon tells us with a resigned look on his face.

  “You mustn’t sacrifice your soul for this!” Sakura exclaims and I gulp.

  “It’s only a small fraction of my soul.” Dairon tells her. That still doesn’t sound good though.

  “So noisy…” A voice purrs behind me and I almost jump out my skin.

  “Kuroneko…” Dairon murmurs. A blue light fills the whole area around the demon, which vanishes instantly.

  “I have a message for the Sky Lord. Tell him to come to Heaven’s Fall the night before the first moon is hidden from the sky.” The Kuroneko tells us calmly, before disappearing. It doesn’t feel like a port.

  (Sherry)

  Training is over so I port straight over to Peter’s room. I knock on the door and it opens instantly. Peter, Hermes, Asuna and Angelika are all standing there, having clearly just ported in themselves. They all look tired, but Peter especially.

  “Come in Sherry.” Peter yawns.

  “Were you partying until late?” I ask as I enter.

  “No. We had some trouble last night.” Peter says tiredly, shaking his head.

  “What sort of trouble?” I ask curiously.

  “Demons and gods. Well, one demon and one god, but that’s bad enough. It seems I’m going to need to meet the Kuroneko next week and I have no idea what she wants. She’s the cat god that Yu Kii and Haru Kii used to serve.” Peter says and I blink in shock.

  “That really does sound like trouble. Will you still be ok for your date with Cherry this week?” I ask nervously.

  “Yes. It sounds like it should be fun and there’s not much I can do to prepare for my meeting with the Kuroneko. If I knew what she wanted it would of course be different.” Peter answers with a smile.

  “Well I hope you do enjoy your date with Cherry. She’s really looking forward to it. I’ve been thinking and I have a few ideas.”

  “Let’s sit and discuss them then.” Peter says and walks towards the table. He gestures towards the seat opposite him, which I sit down on. “So what are your ideas?”

  “Well, Cherry has always enjoyed the beach and she likes Utopia Camerona. It’s been a while since she’s been to either. Probably my best idea though, is to visit Heaven’s Park. It’s in the Divine Flame estate and has an awful lot of very good entertainment. It’s probably the most expensive option though. The tickets only cost ten silver each, but there are lots of extra things you have to pay for once you get inside. Since it is a date you would be paying for everything for both Cherry and yourself.”

  “What sort of things?” Peter asks curiously.

  “Food is very expensive. You could take a picnic though. I bet Cherry would enjoy that. You would need to buy Cherry a memento of the date. Some of the better entertainment you have to pay for too. You should probably expect to spend at least a gold. Probably closer to two.” I warn Peter.

  “That’s a lot…”

  “That’s why I came up with Camerona Utopia and the beach as alternatives.” I tell him, a bit disappointed in Peter.

  “You’re sure Cherry would enjoy this Heaven’s Park place?” Peter asks.

  “Definitely.”

  “And the reason I’m paying for both of us is because it’s a date?”

  “Of course. You told Cherry you would take her on a date, so of course you should be the one paying. If she was taking you on the date she would be paying.” I explain.

  “Utopia Camerona is out of the question. Would Cherry enjoy the beach almost as much as this Heaven’s Park?” Peter asks.

  “She’s been to the beach plenty of times before and always enjoyed it, but Heaven’s Park is somewhere she’s always wanted to visit.” I tell Peter.

  “Peter, you should do it.” Hermes tells Peter sternly. “If you worry too much about the money, you’ll not be taking Cherry’s feeling seriously. You only have this one date to decide between her, Midori and Rin. Or me of course.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” Peter sighs. I look at Hermes, rather shocked by her words.

  “What do you mean?” I ask Hermes.

  “Peter will be going on a date with each of us. Cherry, then Midori, then me and finally Rin. He’ll decide who he loves by the time he finishes the final date.” Hermes explains. Then her eyes narrow. “Is Cherry serious though? Does she actually want to marry Peter like Rin and I do?”

  “Marry?” I ask in shock. “I guess I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Surely Peter is too young to marry.”

  “He’s not too young to get engaged though.” Hermes points out. True, but…


  “Is that what you really want? To get engaged?” I ask Peter seriously.

  “Umm…” Peter hesitates.

  “Pressuring Peter into this when he’s so young just seems wrong.” I tell Hermes, who winces.

  “It was Rin’s idea.” Hermes protests. I don’t like the idea of arguing with Rin about this. The thought is truly scary.

  “Peter…” I start to say but Lucy interrupts me.

  “Nobody’s forcing Peter to do anything. He can decide for himself, so stop meddling. If Cherry isn’t serious though, she had better pull out of this. Dating someone you aren’t serious about is rude.” Lucy glares.

  “Is Peter really serious about Midori, Cherry, Hermes and Rin? That’s a lot of girls to date.” I ask Lucy, matching her glare with my own.

  “Yes, but he’ll need to choose one.” Lucy answers me with a shrug.

  “The dates were a reward for beating the challenge. Don’t you think it’s unfair to choose a partner based on their wind magic? What about any girls in the club who aren’t wind mages?” I ask angrily.

  “Like you?” Lucy asks and I blush.

  “No, but there probably are other girls who like Peter too.” I protest.

  “I’m sure Cherry would love that you’re trying to increase the competition.” Lucy chuckles.

  “She wouldn’t want to walk over everyone else’s feelings.” I tell Lucy angrily.

  “Isn’t going on the date at all walking over their feelings?” Lucy asks.

  “There could be other chances, but like this there are no more chances.”

  “So would you have Peter ask if anyone else wants to go on a date with him?” Lucy smiles.

  “No, but I don’t think he should decide his whole future like this.”

  “His marriage isn’t his whole future.” Lucy tells me with a much fiercer glare and words like ice.

  “But it is a huge part of it.”

  “And it’s up to Peter to decide.” Lucy shrugs.

  “And he should be free to decide it without being pressured into making hasty decisions.”