Guardian Of The City

Quickly heading towards the room Aeon found the room the Leader in, they travelled down a few halls to find the Leader barely awake. He was hovering over a couple patients with his eye constantly shutting before flying back open. "Poor guy." Interrupting the Leader he cleared his throat causing the man to jump. Once he got his attention he presented the people he captured. These were his people so it was up to him what he did. Aeon didn't think they'd have much information with them either so he was alright with handing them away.

"These three men attacked Tearia over here in the middle of night, shortly after they were captured though. Figured it'd be best to let you handle your citizens."

Tossing them forward they were the Leader's problem now.

"Very well, I'll take care of them."

Barely awake the Leader didn't question it too much as he took them. He still had barely any sleep but that would soon change. Watching the effect the girl's cure had on his people he was overjoyed. So well still tired he still wanted to see them awaken. This nightmare would no longer bother him anymore and his town would be free. Bowing his head to the five of them he offered his thanks with all his heart as he watched them walk away. Once the five of them were gone the leader looked down at the captured people in thought as a small voice entered his ears.

"Now what to do with you three..."

After that Xilo's group followed Aeon out of the building to see the guards outside had returned. "Weird." After not seeing them at all last night they seemed relatively okay and were acting as if nothing had happened. "Did they really just not notice the attack?" If that was the case though where were they last night. Xilo wanted to question it more but Aeon stopped him before he could even say anything. Aeon knew it didn't really matter anymore and there were any number of excuses they could have made for last night. He had already alerted the Leader about this problem before he left so he would be dealing with that too.

Walking out of the dead town they made their way back to Landelt with Aeon beside them this time instead of just stalking them. Walking down the path they passed a couple merchants coming and going before arriving at the bridge. Going across it Xilo took in the view of the large lake that circled this city a little more this time. Both other times he was in a rush to be somewhere else so he never got to enjoy it. "It's quite pretty." It's clear water was calm as ever with no signs of any life under it that Xilo could see. He couldn't even see how deep it was when he looked over the railing.

"Be a bit careful Xilo, While that water may seem harmless you should never swim in it."

"Why's that? Doesn't seem dangerous or anything."

Hearing Aeon's monotone voice interrupt his thoughts he was curious as to why he said that.

"It's actually incredibly dangerous. While you may not see it now, A giant Astral Beast is at the bottom slumbering. It's usually asleep most of the time but if you're in the water while it's awake it will attack you on sight. Think of it as the guardian of the city."

"Why would it attack people randomly?"

"Because it doesn't know whether or not you're an invader or not and that's a beast that asks questions later. How do you think it ended up down there forever? It attacked the founder of Landelt a long time ago and was beaten to near death. At the time the founder thought about killing it but it was a struggling time for him so it made the beast an offer it couldn't refuse. It got to live if it vowed to protect this place for the rest of its life. Without the original founder here though anymore no one can really control it anymore. So while it still sticks to its word it's not the kindest thing out there or smartest."

"How long ago was that?"

"A few hundred years ago I think, It's been quite some time. We've only ever needed to have it's help once though. Ahh almost there, let's pick up the pace, Telan should be waiting for us."

Looking deep down into the water Xilo absorbed Aeon's words as he wondered what the thing looked like. "Probably for the best I never know." If he ever did find out, it meant Landelt was in danger or he was in danger. Both were not good options that he wanted to experience unless necessary. "A guardian though.." The power it would take to tame such a beast sent a thrill of excitement and expectation down his spine. "Wonder what it's like." Daydreaming about all kinds of possibilities he quickly picked up the pace as the five of them made it back to Telan. Approaching the building Xilo's group paused for a second wondering what to do.

"Uhm....."

"Hmmm... Tearia, what's the matter?"

"I think you should go in alone again and let us do something else....I know this city doesn't take to well to Astral beasts and I'm worried about Xelfia."

"I see."

Finding out the reason why they seemed so hesitant all of a sudden Xilo paused as he thought about what to do before laughing. "So silly." If that was really all they were worried about then it wasn't a big deal. Each of these girls could take care of himself plus he was there if they needed help. Discrimination wasn't fun but they didn't have to deal with it alone.

"Don't worry about that too much alright? Come on in, I already saw some Astral Beast people there my first time around and I'll always help you if I need to."

"You sure?"

Looking at the girls, Xilo nodded his head as dragged them along trying to reassure them.

"You worry too much Tearia."