The Call

Pressing his arm against the owl shape pummel by his waist Zireael felt on edge since that day, especially when Aurelia was by his side-eyeing him differently than before. She had no longer called him dumb-dumb but stated his name. Considering whether it was over her growing more mature or not, Zireael pushed aside his trepidation heading back to the city of Ynrins. It had already been three days since they left the Hallow Marshes, and apart from the basic greeting, Aurelia remained silent. Speaking only when she needed to.

"Zireael, how can I get stronger?" Aurelia uttered from behind.

"How strong?" Zireael replied casually.

Descending in silence, the echoes of footsteps rang through the forest around them. Coming to a stop, the young Lord turned to his comrade, "Tell me, Aurelia, how strong do you wish to be?" He asked, determined to find an answer.

Not wanting to lower her head Aurelia gazed into Silver, reflecting her image back at her. Clenching her fist, she took a step forwards, "I don't want to see them die. Aunty Talia, nor Master. I want them to live. I want all those I make friends with to live." She declared, drawing blood from her palms.

"But for how long can you remain like this?" questioned Zireael turning back, continuing his steps. "How long can you remain this determined. How much are you willing to sacrifice? Have I ever told you the story of Keiran of Valmorta?"

"No," Said Aurelia

"The man was born with one of the greatest minds to grace this realm, but before his birth, his mother was killed and disposed of within the forest of Valmorta, leaving him stuck within the womb for three weeks. Underdeveloped and attached, the infant had two options: to stay within the womb and die or force his way out. Choosing to wait, Kasmir slowly began to devoir his mother from the inside out. Months slowly began to pass before he somehow gained the strength to escape. Clawing his way out of his mother's womb to freedom. Yet the surprise of many, the infant did not leave his mother's rotting corpse-like one would have thought; no, he remained by her side, feasting whenever he needed nutrients. Years slowly began to pass and till he was found, and by then, he was no more a rabid beast.

"Why... why are you telling me?" Aurelia whispered in horror.

"Because that boy was soon taken in, trained, and do you know what he did when he was eighteen?" Zireael asked, "He left to be in the forest, where it all started. By himself, he invented his own type of magic; he became one of the strongest wizards in your world. His power grew so profound cities were soon built in his name. The reason I tell you this, Aurelia, is for you to understand the difference between you two. Be it your mind, or your will, none of it compares to that monster."

"You want me not to ask for power, but for me to take it," said aurelia bringing a smile to the young Lord, "No, it's not what you want me to do, but what I need to do. You are already giving me the opportunity; I just need to siege it."

Clapping his hands together, Zireael laughed, "Indeed, I want you to..."

"Incoming call from Zero." Anima suddenly interrupted, causing the young Lord to shiver at the very name. "You are unable to deny his call, Young Master."

"Oh shit, so he finally decided to make the first move. Guess everyone will know I am alive." Zireael hesitantly whispered, "Put on display, and Aurelia, keep quiet this bastard is... is a piece of work."

Following the commands of Zireael, a large virtual screen suddenly appeared before the eyes of Aurelia, sending her heart in shock. Within the screen, a dark mask stood with a single number upon its head, Zero.

Not speaking a word Zireael and Zero waited for a whole minute before he raised one finger, "X - Type Lost. Code AVIL-384733133V153V73H333B00fFJ," Zireael quickly stated. "Serial XII - Reincarnation"

"Confirming Gx.."

"Zero must we continue this," Zireael bitterly stated with a troubled expression, "If we continue this, it will take literally two days to continue verifying who I am?"

"Confirming Gxy - Code Name V," Zero continued in a robotic tone to Zireaels annoyance.

"I will state you're true name if you do not let me off the hook. I am the only one who knows it. Isn't that right A..."

"Enough, "Zero commanded, his voice no longer robotic, holding a rather broad accent foreign to both Zireael and Aurelia. "It has been one hundred years." He said, baffled by the current features of the young child versus what he was before.

"I know," Zireael answered without emotion. "Oh, before you say something to get yourself killed, I go by Zireael Blackwater."

Staring at Zireael, the connection was suddenly severed, causing the young man to laugh, "Hell, it seems he has not changed in the slightest."

"Was that a friend?" Aurelia asked, wiggling her nose with curiosity. "He seems even colder than you."

"He most definitely is; Zero is our strategist hence the name Zero. I am sure he got the message." Zireael stated with a warm smile, shocking the girl. Never had she seen such a side to the cold Lord.

"What, I can't smile?"

"It's not the smile but the warmth within it." Aurelia exclaimed with a vibrant grin, "I have never seen you so happy."

"You are seeing things."

"Am not!"

"You are!" Zireael insisted, "Come, let us go. We will meet up with the girls by the Lake of Reflection. I think Kest is sending that other girl with him. I believe her name was.

"Ella!" Aurelia shouted in surprise.

"Yes, she is quite talented in the arts of magic. She will make a great Mage," said Zireael gazing upon the virtual map upon his wrist. "We need to head west than Northwest than west again... That's too much, Anima just tell me when to turn. How people travel by map is magic on to itself. Maybe it's just my generation. Anyway, it will be another week till we reach the Lake of Reflection."

"I meant to ask, but what is the Lake of reflection?" Aurelia asked, deciding to enjoy her journey.

"I have never left Valmor, so I cannot say much about it. But from what Talia and Innis said, it is where your spirit is sent into the Astral Plane to battle against yourself. Although I guess Innis and Talia have no idea they are using such a magical tool. Nevertheless, you will be stripped of your magic, forced only to use your sword and wit. "

"What is the Astral Plane?" questioned the young girl.