10 The Ark Of Living Together

The glare from Gillian sent chills down the feeble child's back.

"Stop being so terrifying towards kids, will ya?! Think about the poor child, looks like she's seen a ghost!" scolded Ysabeau, knocking down the bewildered man's head.

"Angry man over there and you're having a go at me?!" asked the baffled Gillian.

"Sorry, darling, this shabby thing didn't mean to bother you," cooed Ysabeau, smiling gently as if nothing had happened.

The girl was starting to smile a little due to a comical scene. Two prestigious members of the Congregation. And one's biting the other's hand while the one being bitten is yanking the biter's hair. But the moment was crushed as Baldwin steadied himself once more.

"One of the most radiant beings within the Andromeda Galaxy. You are just a child?" asked the Angry Man, looking at her juvenile feathered wings.

"About 70 years old back home," she replied, ears perked as he knew so much.

The Andromeda Galaxy was the neighboring galaxy of the Milky Way. It is said that the Andromeda Galaxy was by far larger than the Milky Way, offering a much more diverse array of beings. Valokia was the niche of the Andromeda Galaxy, the Valkyries were well-respected in that area.

"About 7 Earth years," murmured Baldwin, looking at the being in front of him.

"How can you tell if she's just a child? She could be much older than her appearance," asked Ysabeau.

"Because the adults are enormous, larger than dragons, especially the ones in the military. But in their compact form is what they look comparable in 180 Valokian years or 18 Earth years. Valokia is bigger than any of the planets around it for a reason," explained Baldwin.

"Say, why don't we drag you back to our place?" asked Gillian.

"Drag?"

"Well, you went up against Old Man Pond's orders. You are a wanted man right now, both the Mages and the humans have something against you now," explained Gillian, proceeding to head back to the Old Chapel.

Mavislin followed Ysabeau while Ysbeau gave a warm, welcoming smile towards the Angry Man.

"You can stay with us for now," offered Ysabeau.

Baldwin fell silent as he went back into the shadows to follow the group.

"Not as grand as palaces or castles, but should fill the bill for a small group of us. Do take note not to go behind the Old Chapel, you might accidentally step on little Mavis' garden," warned Gillian, resting his hand on the Dark Mage's shoulder.

He looked mystified as Ysabeau opened the room window to reveal a colorful patch of land in the middle of the lush green carpet around the building.

"If only I had known you were opened to guests, I would've taken my family here to be safe," said Baldwin, voice cracking.

"We were, you never seem to ask about it," said Gillian.

"With all the controversies going on, I never expected anyone would allow the likes of me into their home."

"You can stay here permanently if you'd like. Your place would've been raided by now."

Mavislin smiled as she gazed upon the mini garden below. Baldwin ruffled the little Valkyrie's hair, earning a giggle from the kid that he was so afraid of.

"Abi would've treasured it," said Ysabeau, looking at the Angry Man in sadness.

"Wait! Hold on!"

Baldwin turned so quickly, poor little Mavislin nearly flew out from his grasp. As the Valkyrie continued seeing stars, the Angry Man was eager to confirm the information.

"So you are telling me I can stay?" asked Baldwin, in bewilderment.

"Why not? Provided you don't ravage the area and make Mavislin aggravated, you should be reasonable."

"Or spin her too quickly," said Ysbeau, massaging the girl's temples.

Baldwin was puzzled beyond imagination.

"You are willing to accept a Mage of Dark Element in the same space of a Mage of Light Element?!"

Baldwin's face was in a state of shock; how could Mages of the polar opposite Elements live under the same roof?

"She's still a child, so she won't bother you overmuch. Moreover, she hasn't got many friends to play with, so you could help in that aspect."

"As an Aki, you should know how much hate had occurred between Valkyries and us Shadow beings. How could I possibly live with her?!"

Gillian sighed as he looked at his old friend. Gillian then went towards Mavislin and got to her level.

"Mavislin, do you hate this man?" asked Gillian, looking right at the young girl's golden eyes.

Ysabeau and Baldwin were shocked at how blunt Gillian was. The young Valkyrie stared blankly at the Angry Man.

"No. Why should I? He never did anything to me," asked Mavislin, eyes still holding onto the innocence of the world.

"Besides, he's called Angry Man for a reason."