48 Adventurers no more

Kaspian didn't answer my question and instead said, "I'm glad you took some precautions sending those two off first,"

"I asked you something, why are you here Kaspian?" I all but growl out.

After his threat to us in the dungeon I couldn't help but feel hostile towards him.

Arthur raised an arm to stop me, "Calm, Bolt. He actually helped me out against Lucas, thank you for that by the way"

I don't reply, only narrowing my eyes at him in response.

"I'm just glad that this whole debacle was solved without anyone dying," He replied.

"People have died. You'd do well to remember that," Arthur said in a cold tone, so even he doesn't like the guy much.

"O-Of course, my mistake," He replied, clearly shaken,

"A-Anyways, I didn't come here to start a fight, only to hand you a little parting gift," He threw a sack at Arthur, who opened it to find a shit ton of gold.

Is the bastard trying to bribe us or something?

"What's this for?" Arthur asked.

"Just something to help you take some precautions out there," Kaspian said as he turned to leave.

Precautions eh?

What does he mean by that.

I turn to Arthur to question him about what exactly happened in there, only to see Sylvie transforming to a white fox.

"Huh?"

"How convenient."

As we reached the town Arthur took off his cloak and mask before gesturing me to do the same, "I'll explain later."

"Fine I guess," I say before unequipping both accessories as well.

After that we headed to the artifice, on the way Arthur explained what happened and that he was essentially banned from Xyrus, but only as 'Note' and not as Arthur Leywin.

A convenient loophole.

He also offered to get me a dimension ring with the money Kaspian provided, which I politely declined saying, "I have my own storage,"

Before extending my arm to my pocket, which was empty, before pulling out my mask leaving him gobsmacked.

"How? I thought you could only access those powers while your beast will is active."

"I don't know, all I could figure is that somehow that particular ability bled in to my normal state. Maybe it is due to the shell over my core." I reply.

"Wait, what shell?" He asks.

"Oh, I guess I never did tell you about that," I reply before explaining what I found while meditating, but I left out the part about the voice and vision. 

I have a feeling that whoever that was wouldn't like me revealing it to anyone.

"That is troublesome..." He says.

"Yeah, I'll have to limit its usage, it has no effect on me for now, but that can change,"

He nodded in agreement and we dropped the topic there seeing that we had reached our destination.

"Welcome to the artifi-oh! Hello kid, are you lost or something?" The clerk asked as we stepped into the shop.

"My father sent me on an errand to buy a dimension ring big enough to fit my finger," Arthur replied. 

"Listen kid, even small dimension rings are expensive, you sure your pops knows of this?" He rubbed his neck while saying this.

Arthur did nothing but take out the sack of gold coins and present it, "Will this be enough?"

Needless to say it was.

As Arthur stored his sword and the beast core in his newly acquired dimension ring we proceeded to cross the teleportation gate,"

Crossing the gate we caught a carriage back to the manor. 

On the way we crossed Xyrus Academy, the one we will be attending.

It was majestic, like a different dimension within the city.

"Sir we have arrived at Helstea Manor," The driver announced as he held the door open for us.

Getting out of the carriage we find Ellie already at the door, waiting for us.

"Hello little sister, we're ba-" I couldn't even complete my sentence before we were embraced fiercely by our sister, who almost sent us tumbling down the stairs.

Arthur hugged her back with one arm, while I patted her head with mine.

"Welfom vack," She mumbled.

"Hmm?" Arthur replied, not understanding her.

She looked up at us, tears building at her eyes, "I said, 'Welcome Back' Big bro Art and Big Bro Fay."

"Its good to be back," Arthur replied.

"How about you let us go, we do have to meet the others," I quip.

"Only if you don't leave again," She replied.

"No, we're not," Arthur said

"Well, technically-" I began only to stop by the glare Arthur sent my way.

"What?" Ellie asked

Laughing nervously I say, "Nothing, nothing at all,"

Seemingly accepting this Ellie let us go and bounded inside, wiping her tears, "Come on then. lets go inside."

She's growing up fast. 

I think before another thought invades my mind.

Glancing at Arthur I see him thinking something similar, and knowing him playing such a scenario in his mind.

He turned towards me as we nod in unspoken agreement.

Whoever tries to take Ellie away will have to face hell from the two of us.

"Arthur! Fayden!" A voice interrupted our thought.

Looking towards the source I see Mom and Dad making their way to us.

Dad picked up Arthur, who was pulling at his unruly hair.

I smile at the sight before feeling myself being swept off my feet as well.

Looking at the perpetrator I see Mom hugging me with tears on her eyes, "I'll spare you the part of the worried mother this time. I'm just glad you're back alive,"

Hugging her back I speak, "Yeah sorry about that, seems like we always worry you one way or other."

"Ahem!" a voice cut in, "Not to ruin this heartfelt reunion but I would like to welcome them back as well," Vincent said with Elijah and Tabitha behind him.

The latter of the two with anger visible on her face as she raised her hand to smack him upside the head, "I told you to keep quiet and let them have their moment,"

The scene made all of us laugh.

It sure does feel good being back.