“So your Foresight allowed you to see a future of me using my abilities I normally keep hidden, even though I would rather sustain critical injury than use them?”
“Such is the privilege and the curse of such an ability. The most respectful of your students are perpetually the most disrespectful, though their actions never bear it to come to pass. Foresight is not just the precise outcome. One must become adept at sifting through the many to act on the few most likely. This is the reason why your mind debilitates my sight. Hundreds of possibilities I can handle, perhaps even thousands, but with ability like yours, I would be lucky if I only were presented billions.”
“Wow, I never realized just how taxing such a powerful ability could be.”
“Are you sure? I would never in the world wish to possess the catastrophic might your explosions hold. My ability though sometimes a burden, is only a danger to myself. Except perhaps when operating heavy machinery. Awful things those.”
Really? He was a monk because driving a car could cause him to careen through the nearest drugstore due to his powers? Now that is hilarious prospect. At least he would have a reasonable excuse as an old person.
“That power you hold, I think you know better than any I have met, what the true definition of taxing is due to the nature of your abilities. Is that what causes your despair now?”
With his voice caught in his throat, he looks around at the walls and the door, unsure of if he should say anything.
“Despite their appearance, my walls are as secure as those within Tempest Tower. You may speak freely.”
Finding there was something about the old man that exuded a sense of trust, as he knew about Anaar all along and patiently waited until Anaar himself had come to realize he knew the truth, for the first time, Anaar painfully recounted his tale, from the date with Phavian all the way up until his rescue. The old man was very patient, neither forceful nor expectant, allowing time for Anaar to recompose himself in times when the pain of recounting his tale had become too much. When he had finally finished, he felt like there had been a huge weight lifted from him. Though the old man did not embrace him, or console him as he wept, it was clear there was a deep concern, and just the fact he listened, completely, intently, with no judgements or interruptions showed there were more ways than overt displays of affection to demonstrate overwhelming empathy.
“You have more pain that you have had to deal with in your short life than one should be forced to bear, but bear it you must, as there is only more in your future. Life is not fair. Many would say you were chosen by the gods given your numerous gifts, from your intellect, to your appearance, to your abilities. What they fail to realize is someone must pay the cost for these considerable gifts, and if not you, then who else? I fear I may have set another toll in motion you will be forced to pay soon, though if you truly do care for Phavian the way it seems you do, it is worth the expense. Without knowledge of the entire situation, I told the boy he must confront the source of his issues directly if he should wish to move past them. As it has come to pass, you are the representation of that source, even if not it in actuality. You have saved him once, I trust you can save him again. Losing both my star pupils would do much to sadden a selfish old man.”
“But I couldn’t die even if he tried to kill me, so at worst you would only lose one.”
“You are young yet. You will come to find there are far worse things than losing one’s life that can ruin a person. Being cursed with immortality, you will find that you are the most susceptible to these things. Others can find release in death. You on the other hand are not afforded such a privilege.”
Confiding in Master Shin, he was happy to have another strong and wise anchor in his life. Never before had he thought simply being able to share his burdens with someone would make such a difference in how he went about his life. For so long he had kept mostly everything from everyone, even his own mother. He was coming to realize now why people needed family and friends. Life could be too much to shoulder by oneself. Receiving his task from Master Shin, he knew what he must do, but did not know when the best time would be to do it. Taking his leave, he was given a few final words from the old sage before he departs.
“Hopefully the next time we meet, between the two of you, the pain of your rage and despair can be resolved.”
9
“No.”
“Pleaaase?!”
“Absolutely not.”
“I swear I’ll throw this bowl at you!”
“Are you threatening me with couscous?! How does that help your argument?!”
“It doesn’t, but it will make me feel better to mess up your stupid perfect face!”
Stefani comes to sit at the table as the bickering Anaar and Maggie go back and forth. “What is going on? What did I miss?”
Jabbing a finger in Anaar’s direction, “This heartless fiend won’t let his dear friends watch the Junior’s Melee in his room!”
Taking a bite of something green and crispy, chomping away happily, Stefani responds, “What’s the big deal? We didn’t watch the Sophomore or the Senior’s Melee. Well I watched the Senior’s. Sophia would have literally killed me if I didn’t cheer her on to secure her title as the top ranked in the school for her last year here. What is so special about the Junior’s Melee or Anaar’s room for that matter? Everyone watches the Freshman Melee because they want to see the new talent. After that, most people just don’t bother since the rankings don’t move very much.”
Looking at the two of them in disbelief, “It matters because our friends are going to be counting on our support! Also have you not seen Anaar’s room? We can watch like 50 screens at once in there!”
Friends are counting on our support… “You’ve been coerced by a human cattleprod haven’t you?”
“No! Ok, maybe just a little, but they were really supportive of us. The least we can do is return the favor!”
“I think I’m going to talk to Codi about this growing relationship of yours. She’s a bad influence on you. We can’t have another one of you running around. It can’t be good for the planet.”
“I think hanging out would be fun. We haven’t really done that in a while. It would be like old times! Maggie we would have to skip our last two classes though.”
“Codi says most classes barely do anything when a Melee is going on anyway, knowing people will likely skip it. Plus, I think Professor Offerdero and Professor Osadi said something about independent study since they would be on Melee duty. We shouldn’t be surprised, but apparently the upperclassmen go all out.”
“That’s it. I’m officially ending this Maggie/Codi union. When Magdalena Osorio is lobbying for skipping class, I know the poison has spread too far. You need an immediate detox.”
Grabbing the pepper shaker and throwing it at him, Maggie is taken by surprise when it shoots back toward her, hitting her in the face. “Why is it always the pepper shaker with you?! And why do you think it is ok to hit people in the face with them?!”
“You threw it! See, the violence, the disregard for class. I’m starting a petition to bring our Maggie back.” Looking over at Stefani, “Speaking of violence, how are you doing? After last night, you and Ripp looked pretty worse for wear, though somehow I am not surprised she would have a portal to the hospital saved like someone does a contact in their Vizer.”
“I know right?! I don’t know how you guys do it. I guess I have you all to thank that I never really get injured since you take all the hits for me. I thought I was going to die from the pain, or be disfigured, or never play music again!”
Confused, Maggie chimes into the conversation after huffing over the redness of her face from the impact of the pepper shaker. “What are you talking about?”
“Stefani hit Ripp so hard she broke bones in her fingers, and broke Ripp’s ribs. For an Air Affinity, that woman sure can take a hit.”
“Am I the only person who hasn’t assaulted their mentor in some form?”
Stefani
and Anaar look at each other knowingly while saying in unison, “They ask for it.”
“All in all, it was a productive training session though, if you disregard the broken bones. Stefani got a better understanding of her powers, and Ripp didn’t shoot anyone. Not to downplay Stefani’s achievements, but you really don’t understand just how big an accomplishment that was for Ripp.”
With a sigh, “He’s not exaggerating. I once saw her shoot someone as punishment for not shooting someone else when she thought they deserved it.”
With a look of horror on her face, “Why didn’t she just shoot the person who deserved it?!”
“She did. Twice.”
As the two girls talk back and forth about the merits of their mentors and what they bring to the table, Hobb appears in the corner of Anaar’s vision, dressed in a body-hugging V-neck t-shirt, and jeans.
“You have an urgent video message from Mother. Shall I play it?”
Really enjoying this having a body thing aren’t you?
“I find it is quite useful for expressing myself better. I won’t show this form to others for some time yet, but for now I do find it quite pleasing to at least share with you. Also, this outfit is rather cost effective, and is available just downstairs.”
Just play the message while the girls are preoccupied!
Ixnes appears in her parlor, grandly draped in a peach colored dress, lounging in one of her chairs. “Child, you shall sup with me tonight. We have much to discuss. I expect you here at 8pm, do not be late.”
Well she didn’t waste any time.
“I do believe I told you that your schedule would soon be filling up.”
Focusing on Hobb, he notices rather than standing, he is now sitting at a small table sipping a beverage from a small cup.
Are you seriously having tea right now?!
“I am my Mother’s child.”
You are already having way too much fun with this.
“It seems you have been outvoted.”
Wait, what? Shifting his focus back to the two girls, he finds a projection of Dan coming from Maggie’s Vizer.
“So when da party? Should I bring snacks? Booze?”
“Oh, Anaar has us covered, he has an entire kitchen full of food.”
“Sweet! This going to be fun. Where Anaar live again?”
“Who said I agreed to any of this?!”
Looking over at him sweetly, Maggie gives a sinister smile, “We took your silence to be agreement.”
Son of a… “Fine. We can watch the Melee at my place. I’ll ask Harston if he’ll make us some party food.”
With cheers of excitement the three celebrate their victory.
“I’ll bring da booze then!”
“Don’t bother. Maggie and I don’t drink, and there is plenty of alcohol left over from the last damn party.” Sighing he looks over at Stefani. “Are you planning on drinking too?”
Somewhat hiding her face, “I could perhaps be persuaded to partake in a little…”
“Dat’s right Stef! Don’t be lame like these two goody-”
“Ugh, bye Dan!” Maggie ends the call as she gives a happy little shuffle.
Since when did my room become the fucking Rack?
◆◆◆
Walking up the steps of the regal mansion, Anaar made a conscious effort to ignore Hobb’s squabbling about his clothing for the night’s dinner. Without even ringing the bell, not that he could find one to begin with, the door opens, and he is greeted by a thin woman who escorts him in. As his last time here he was already inside, never leaving the house for fear he might be seen, this was the first time he needed to actually be let in.
He recognized the woman as Felicia, Ixnes’ chief stewardess of her estate. Though he did not require a guide, he presumed it was all for the sake of formality as he let the woman lead him. Reaching the dining hall, he found Ixnes standing there in an opulent turquoise, sleek, but not her typical figure hugging dress. Arms outstretched in welcome, Anaar could see that despite the things they had been through, she could not be bothered to forego the pomp and circumstance.
“Darling! You look… Comfortable. Has Hobb been naughty and not spoken to you?”
Not even trying to hide the sour look on his face, “Oh no, quite the contrary he won’t shut up. He is prattling on as we speak…”
Rushing to his side, circling him with disapproving appraisal, “Is it a lack of funds?! I understand such a pitiful stipend would not make for taking care of your needs! I’ll transfer more immediately.”
“Stop!” The woman steps back, painted lips upturned into an amused grin. “It has nothing to do with funds. It has to do with the fact I am still me. That hasn’t changed. Look, I really appreciate everything you have done, and most likely will do for me, I really do, but you can’t just suddenly expect me to become someone else because I now have access to more money than I could ever imagine. Not only that, I presume you would not like to explain to the general public that you have formally made me, the random nobody whom you only met months ago your successor and heir to your fortune. Even if I were one for the luxuries you have become accustomed to, do you not think that the optics alone would be damaging? There are those who already feel I receive far too much attention from you as is. Doing things to draw attention to myself such as disappearing for a week after an international crisis, then returning out of nowhere with a new wardrobe and outlook on life, isn’t that all just too suspicious?”
“Well this is all very new to me. I am not used to my children being anything but weak willed and spoiled, cradled by the life of luxury I was capable of providing. It seems I’ll require some time to come to terms with one that not only has strength of character, but also the intellect to think through things far into the future. I suppose I have my entire life to figure it out as for once I won’t be forced to bury my own! Hobb, you may stop haranguing the boy. He is free to do as he chooses and sees fit.”
Appearing as a projection nearby in a stylish blazer, button-down shirt, slacks and loafers, he shakes his head, thick with the long locs in disappointment. “I cannot comply with this. You have not seen his wardrobe. It is hideous.”
Ixnes rushes over to the projection, touching its face in wonder. “Hobb, darling is that you?! Oh, you are so handsome! You have my eyes!” Her eyes narrow as she continues to scrutinize the projection. Why do I see hints of Miles in you?”
Giving a shrug, “As he is my Father and creator, it is only sensible that I should carry some of his traits as well.”
“Oh dear, you have taken after Anaar I see. None of this shrugging business. I won’t have it!”
“Hey!”
“Anaar was instrumental in helping me create this image of myself, as my initial attempt bore far too many of his own features, which he very astutely assessed would bring unnecessary attention to our relationship. As it stands, I am very happy with myself.”
“Well that is wonderful darling, I am quite thrilled with the result as well. Do continue to support one another in such a fashion.”
“Speaking of fashion…”
“Hobb, don’t you dare.”
With a throaty laugh, Ixnes goes to take her seat at the table, telling Hobb to signal the staff they were ready for their meal. Once their meal had been delivered, and the doors closed again for privacy, Ixnes began her interrogation. “Have you handled the situation with your lover?”
Fork stopping halfway to his mouth, “He is not my lover! At least not yet I don’t think. Unless typical healthy relationship behavior includes killing your partner, I’m pretty sure we still have things to work out.”
Raising one eyebrow whilst taking a sip of her wine, “Killing you? In the literal sense?”
“Quite literal. If I were not, well, me, or one hell of a Titan, I’m sure I’d have been dead a few times over.”
“Hmm, that is quite disappointing. I do think you two would make quite the cute couple. Well I will need this taken care of sooner rather than
later.”
“Do you think he would tell people about me? At most I would think he may say something to Codi, which given our relationship I would be able to stop the flow of information there.”
“Well there is that, but I cannot have this thing between you two affecting your performance.”
Dropping his fork to the plate, “What kind of performance are you thinking about?!”
“Oh remove your mind from the gutter child, though between the two of you, I doubt there would be much affecting that kind of performance. I am officially greenlighting you to partake in missions, a number of which require someone of your, particular, talents. As Phavian is one of my best operatives along with his Senior counterpart Sophia Grimm, it would only be sensible to pair you with someone you know, and you do not have to hide your true abilities from.”
“Ripp was even in the running to be partnered with me?! She’d probably shoot me for not performing something directly to her specifications!”
“Ah! You are acquainted! Lovely, I shall keep that in mind.”
“Why do I need a partner in the first place, and better yet, why am I even going on missions? I’m a Freshman.”
“Darling, let’s dispense with the modest act, now shall we? You may be in your first year, but you have managed to retain perfect scores in all your coursework, and in terms of sheer aptitude, you are easily an alumnus. I placed that restriction to prevent students from overwhelming themselves as they tried to chase a few pennies, getting themselves killed, and tarnishing the school’s name in the process. As for why you need a partner, as talented as you may be, you still need someone to show you the ropes before you are allowed to take on missions by yourself. Phavian Ingraham is one of the best we have ever had. The fact that he is madly in love with you and knows about your abilities only add to his credibility. I would never need to worry about the safety of either one of you, as you cannot die, and you seem to have world class Medic and Defender capabilities. I could save a lot of money replacing Leslie and Kaswin with you alone someday. Those two cost this school a small fortune, though they are well worth it and more. Oh, I forgot to add that I am opening the Medic track in your curriculum. I would like you getting more versed in your direct healing abilities. As powerful as you are, I cannot imagine how much more of a treasure you would be if you had the ability to expand your expertise there.”
Divulgence (Song of Sophangence Book 2) Page 9