86 A Shoulder to cry on

Atop a certain building on which rested a certain crest; a car – fully black, jumped out. A portal, whose color now was of a greenish-white, closed. Time felt like a flicker, but a fading sensation of belonging. Ancient magic truly was something astounding to witness in person. Ancient knowledge from civilization most knew not of its existence. Nobles weren't that lucky either, though holding the power over politics, only scholars of high enough rank had the right to study ancient manuscripts. A breakthrough was made when a young child accidentally wrote something on one of those scrolls. It duplicated; the scroll was reborn anew – though partly responsible was the father who had built a machine to write scrolls. The child's foolishness triggered something deep within the scholar's mind, he felt inspired. Long had those manuscripts been unusable but a child's mistake proved to be the biggest discovery in that century.  

He whom the thought of rewriting the scrolls and using them never crossed his mind. The child gave him the confidence he needed; thus, a new sect formed. A sect devoted to the rewritemen of ancient scrolls – copies were made. For ages to come, the field of magical science grew exponentially. It reached a point were ancient magic became widespread, the Xerxes series car being one of the said endeavors. Using the same baseline of knowledge, the new equipment to measure a person's strength was built from scratch. No longer had one need to pass a test, the equipment measured their mana capacity, skills, abilities and most importantly, their untapped potential.  Little did that child who played and made a mistake knew that; his action would greatly affect how the world was to become. It hadn't been voiced yet, but the announcement on the king's day of birth also hid another meaning. A meaning only mages would get, the message that combat-heavy sorcerers had outgrown their stay. Weak eaten by the strong, the fundamental law of survival; the new age began.

Veiled in black and as fast as lightning; the car dashed through Dorchester. "S-Staxius p-please slow down," on occasions the queen would speak out. He didn't care for reaching Dundee as fast as possible was a necessity. He knew how good-hearted Xula was. If she were to see the state in which people and demi-humans lived out of Arda, her anger would take reigns. That was to be avoided at all costs, hence why he drove so fast. Though hiding the truth might have seemed bad, he had planned on showing her the reality, but on a later date. Today was a day of celebrations and bliss for she had stepped out of her province for the first time. Irregularly, Staxius would gaze and admire her, this was a first. Shyly, she would catch his stare and look away. Deep within both, a feeling of belonging grew. They felt as if they were made for one another. The courtship they entered also affected how they thought.

Staxius wanted only one thing, to keep her safe. Sadly, it wasn't necessary, Xula was a fairy who turned into an angel. Her power rivaled most of the people Staxius knew. What would happen if one-day danger arose, would Xula have to protect him, would she have to risk her life for someone like him? Definitely not, his pride would not take it. Training to get stronger, an endeavor he placed upon himself; strong enough to stand as her equal one day. The drive continued for hours on end, Staxius reflected while her majesty fell asleep. Before he knew it, Dundee came into view. They passed Savaview bridge without him realizing. The subconscious took over, it all grew blurry.

Since the day he nearly lost all his power, the nature of his body and mind changed. One may have called it evolution, he had to grow to overcome his weakness. During the many battles with other mages, soldiers, goblins, and sellswords. He found something, the ability to go even faster than before. Given his speed and reaction had reached their limits, Staxius discovered a new way, a new method to surpass that limit. Instead of trying to be physically strong, he chose another route. In a duel between two expert swordsmen, the faster and more accurate one always won. It was decided in the first move, however strong the opponent might have been if he could not connect, victory was assured. Adelana's lightning stance move worked off that principle.

Sadly, overcoming the limits given to you by birth was a feat close to impossible. Train as hard as one may, the given speed at which one's brain could process images had been decided. Training could overcome that barrier but only slightly. This often didn't mean anything. Thus, why swordsmen trained their muscle memories instead. To subconsciously parry attacks and moves without thinking about it. The swordsmanship taught to him by his late father did make Staxius a true master, but it had its limitations. The technique, mainly built for Tempest Haggard, could not be fully mastered. It was too hard and complex to fully assimilate. It was based on a principle Staxius had forgotten over the ages, though he vaguely remembered, 'the one who strikes fear in the hearts of many has an unprecedented advantage before going into battle.' Said quote was but a glimpse at his teachings.

  'I know not what he meant, maybe making the opponent cower before me. Sadly, that's not what my father would have usually thought,' the car came to a full stop. Before them stood the town square. On the left side, a luxurious hotel that reached the heavens in height. The light coming off it gave the feeling of daytime though dusk set in. "Hey Xula," he whispered, "wake up, we've arrived." He gently shook her shoulder. "Five more minutes," she mumbled. *Phoo,* he blew into her ears. A ranging volley of pins and needles went throughout her body. "What's the matter with you," she awoke, her hands and feet shook thanks to him. "Nothing much just wanted to see you suffer," he replied while holding back his laughter.

The banquet was set for tomorrow, they had made it to Dundee with time to spare. Like a gentleman, Staxius opened her door and escorted her majesty inside. Their arms locked; the walk inside felt slow. Everyone watched in bafflement, never had they seen such a pretty looking lady. The man beside her wasn't that bad either – he looked like a prince from another country. The gazes all befell them, Staxius partially sensed the emotions. It ranged from amazement to envy and jealousy. The place crawled with wealthy looking citizens, one out of five felt like a noble. The majority were rich traders and successful businessmen. Of which most had their concubines with them, the place crawled with said individuals. Girls trying to survive off selling themselves. Xula didn't know that fact for it was unheard of back in Arda. Staxius knew better, a single glance at one of the ladies told everything. They shyly looked away as if embarrassed by their actions. He could not judge them, Hidros was a tough place to survive.

  "Good evening, sir," a young-looking receptionist welcomed them. The ground floor was filled with people walking around. Time was for dinner which came free of charge for anyone who stayed there. The meals prepared by the best of the best, delicacies, and aged wine. Before replying, Staxius took a good long look at the surrounding. In front of him stood a desk situated on the right side from when you entered the establishment. Opposite said desk, countless sofas accompanied with tables. The color matched the interiors of which it was brown and black. A bit old fashion but the place felt like home. The servant waited, they stood like statues, their only job – assist new coming guests. A massive chandelier stood in the middle. A few steps forward, a staircase spiraled around the central lift. At the farthest right corner, a door that led into the dining area. As far as the entrance was concerned nothing else could be said about it. "Good evening, I'd like to rent your most expensive room for a night," Staxius asked politely with a tone befitting someone respectable.

  "A-as you wish," the novice stuttered a bit. Staxius and Xula looked imposing. It felt like they held the whole world at their fingertips. The noble crests on his suit didn't help either; the boy's anxiety grew. "T-that w-would be ten gold pieces," he replied with fear in his voice. 'Ten gold pieces is a bit too much, but Xula is with me, I can't have a queen stay in someplace mediocre.' He touched his pockets looking for his guild card, 'I left it in the car,' his facial expression changed. "Staxius," Xula whispered in his ears. "Yes," he answered back. "Ten gold pieces is a bit too much," she replied, even as a queen she knew the importance of money. "Don't worry about it dear," he smiled reassuringly. "Do you take guild cards as means of payment?" his stare returned to the novice. "W-we s-sure do." He gave a feeble and weak smile. 'Avon, I need you to get that guild card for me,' Staxius contacted his spirit.

Before he even thought of it, Avon walked into the hotel. He wore a suit and not his normal attire. "Master, you've forgotten your belongings." He bowed and held out the object. "Thank you very much," Staxius smiled and proceeded to complete the paperwork.

  "Y-your room is o-on the t-top floor. P-please t-take the lift," the boy, still anxious let out a sigh of relief. Avon followed them to their room. "Someone is acting out of character, now isn't he?" Staxius spoke while riding the lift. "That's a given, master. I don't really like to act all courteous and polite," he pulled out his tongue, the usual sparkle returned in his eyes. "Thank you for helping," Avon nodded and hid back in Staxius's shadow. "Why art thou angry?" the lift stopped. Xula pouted. "Nothing, I'm not angry,' she averted his gaze. "Something is definitely wrong," they walked down the hallway. "I told you, nothing is wrong," she remained adamant. *Click,* the door opened. "don't make me force it out of you," Staxius held her shoulder. "If something is wrong, you need to tell me, Xula, how can I help if I don't know how you feel," he turned her body around. "I-I t-told you i-its nothing," she stuttered, she held something back. "Let me guess, it's about the whole payment thing," he remained as stubborn as she was. "No, that's not it, I saw a demi-human," her tone changed to someone on the verge of crying "-or r-rather I felt one." Her face changed; it looked desperate. "T-they c-cried, and are s-still s-sobbing till this hour," she stuttered, it felt hopeless. "-I c-can't help it. I feel their s-sorrow w-whenever I get c-closer to t-them. All I sense is p-pain and s-suffering, this is different f-from A-Arda," a single tear ran down her cheeks, she cracked.

It wasn't unheard of that demi-humans were used as playthings. They actually came as a gift from the owners; a toy for the guest to enjoy. Xula felt it, their pain, the restlessness, their fear and the loss of hope. Her eyes changed from green to black, her smile turned upside. A strong surge of helplessness took Staxius by surprise; the emotions were too strong he felt it. "Don't worry," he hugged her with all his might. "The world outside Arda is much different." He tightened his grip around her back. "- I didn't want you to see these things nor experience them. Demi-humans aren't treated as rightfully as you thought they were." Not knowing how to deal with such overwhelming feelings, Xula embraced him tighter. They stood like this for god knows how long. Staxius calmed her down, he spoke gently and stroked her back, "it's all ok," he said from time to time. Xula cried her eyes out, her sobs grew louder in intensity. He held her head close to his chest and patted her back. Her hand grew tired, she tried letting go but Staxius held her back. He wasn't satisfied until she smiled again, even if that would be difficult.

For the first time, someone had held him so closely. Someone needed him, someone depended on him, Staxius felt a surge of flame burn from within. He couldn't stand the sight of her in tears, it triggered his protective side. The only person who had that impact on him was Eira, but then again, the flame he felt now burnt with an even hotter passion. "No longer will you have tears in your eyes; incompetent as I may be, I'll strive to never let a single tear reach you. Xula, you're an angel, and angels aren't beings who spread woe, they flutter their wings and spread bliss. You pulled me back from my confusion – and I promise to make it back to you one day. For now, I can be the shoulder you need to cry on, for I'm Staxius, the man whom you placed your hopes and dreams onto. A man who will always persevere and make you happy." He smiled, her tears stopped, hearing him say those words put her woeful heart at ease.