26 The End Game

Taking a breath, having reverted his appearance to that of who he once was, Niall began to shove off the old personality. The shy boy that didn't hold Aveline's confidence and capability was no more.

Pushing his bangs off of his forehead, pulling them back, he gave a confident smirk as Thorin spoke.

"I see... so this was why you didnt want to change out of the training clothes?"

Sapphire eyes stared blankly at Thorin before Niall began to pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Papa... err, Father, that sounded gross. Well, if I can use my magic to alter my appearance... I think I could run around in my pretty dresses without worrying. I can just change their appearance as well."

Nilly got to her feet and began to look at Niall. Her eyes became concerned as she stomped her foot.

"My baby is still in there, right?"

An awkward smile crossed his face as her words punched a hole in his heart.

"Yes, Mother."

'Partly... I'm sorry.'

Letting the magic fade, Aveline smiled up at her mother.

"Better?"

Nilly darted forward, lifting her daughter.

"How can you use such advanced magic? I know you have incredible capabilities, besides the multi elemental you can use Magic and Aura, yet this..."

Aveline squirmed a little until Nilly released her. She turned around, lifting her training shirt over her head. The cloth was held tightly against her breasts as the mark on her back was laid bare.

["Good choice. I will try to leave a marker here with my power, it should dull that moron's connection to this area."]

"So uh..."

Before she could say anything, Lyla had approached her. The fox spun around and lifted her own shirt, revealing her own mark.

"If my Master is gonna show off her stuff, why not join in?"

Everyone had raised eyebrows as they witnessed the markings for the first time. Nilly reached out, her eyes filled with concern.

"Honey... what is this?"

Aveline turned a little, showing her mother how far it reached.

"How will you marry in the future? This mark... it's-"

"The mark of a God. Someday, I'll be recognized as a Hero, one that will make certain parties unable to show their faces. Lyla was also marked by the God of her people."

The two proceeded to cover up their bodies before Aveline took on her cover appearance once more. Before Nilly could complain, Niall raised a hand.

"It is still me, Mother. I need to get used to this form, as it will be what keeps them off our backs. I'd also like to ask for something else."

Nilly and Thorin had worried looks in their eyes as they listened to their daughter's masculine voice.

"I talked it over with them, over the last few days."

His hand motioned to the girls trying to hide their presence.

"I want to command a mercenary group, short term."

Thorin had a pleased look on his face, but Nilly leaned forward. Her fists were firmly on her hips as she suddenly belted out questions.

"Who all is going? How long is short term? How often will you visit home? What will be your team name? What do you plan to do while you're away?"

Niall pointed to the three girls, as well as himself.

"Th-three years, Mother. I'll return every three months. I-I don't know, and probably make a name for ourselves? I, I'm unknown currently. I want people to know who I am before I enter the school."

Nilly's eyes turned on Kyra.

"Why didn't you tell me about any of this? Are you going to bring along your messenger falcon? Will you protect my baby with your body?"

Kyra had a nervous look on her face as her thoughts definitely went where they shouldn't be right now.

"Leen swore me to secrecy! Forgive me, my lady. And yes! Definitely yes!"

Before she could run, Nora had the brunt of Nilly's wrath.

"You want to follow my daughternow? You won't betray her? You'll protect her?"

A rapid series of nods erupted from the fit girl. She was very dizzy the moment she stopped, but Nilly had moved onto Lyla. The fox was stating directly into Nilly's eyes, her arms crossed and tails swaying.

"Before you ask, I am required to tell you, I will die for her. If anyone even tries to touch her..."

Her nails began to sharpen and elongate. Nilly had a slightly surprised expression as she looked at Aveline.

"I like this one."

Niall reverted to Aveline, using magic to change her nail color. This confused Lyla as she got closer.

"Whatcha doin?"

Aveline looked up, innocence on her face.

"Trying to decide on the color of your reward."

She lifted her hands, keeping what she did hidden from everyone around her. Her fingers lightly touched the fox's neck.

"Do you like your new collar?"

Her whisper left Lyla with weak legs as she nodded. Aveline hugged her, taking the chance to whisper in her ear.

"That's my good girl."

She could feel Lyla slump in her arms for a moment before they parted. Everyone stared with confusion, though Kyra was unable to hide her blatant jealousy.

"So you plan to start a merc group. Having the Mercenary King's daughter along should make it easier, while also holding onto these other two talents should keep you all safe. I'm for it."

Thorin's voice broke the tension. His words drove home Aveline's decision, causing Nilly to give in and agree. She wrapped her arms around her daughter.

"So long as you are safe. Don't do anything too dangerous!"

Aveline smiled, inwardly cursing herself.

'Oh no... my plan is INSANELY dangerous! Destroying Orion's hard work in the next three years will be all the danger!'

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Thank you,

Anna Haig!