Chapter 236

"This helps me channel my magic, and houses one of my friends. Do you wanna see?" Vanessa asked with a smile.

"Yeah!" Helena replied eagerly.

Vanessa tapped the bottom of her staff on the ground. The emerald began glowing as she lifted it into the air. Blanka was rapidly forming, and once it was completed it stretched before them.

"This is Blanka," Vannessa said while extending her hand.

The tiger finished stretching and immediately walked to her side licking Vanessa's palm. Helena's eyes were filled with awe, and she wanted to pet it so badly. Vanessa could see the excitement in her face and gave Helena a nod of approval. While petting Blanka its body felt like real fur, and it reacted to her touch.

"Your familiars truly seem alive." Zack complimented.

"That's because he is. Blanka has been my friend for a long time." Vanessa smiled.

Shen was the only family figure that Vanessa had, and her shy nature made it difficult to make friends. When discovering creation magic she saw an opportunity to create friends. When she got older Vanessa was taught an old art by Shen, and with a little blood, you could give sentience to the familiar. Blanka was constructed from lighting, but its body resembled a solid tiger to perfection.

"So it's a form of blood magic?" Zack asked as he watched Blanka run with Helena.

"It's more spiritual than that. I gave Blanka life with a little of mine, and then we took the time to build a connection." Vanessa replied.

"When you come back think you could show the children? They really enjoyed watching your magic, and it inspires them to train harder." Zack requested.

"You seem so confident about my return," Vanessa said with a worried look on her face.

"I talked to Shen, and I'm aware his vote only counts as one during these meetings, but I know you can convince them. You're a lot stronger thank you think." Zack smiled while caressing her cheek.

"Th-thanks," Vanessa said while resting against his chest.

They spent Vanessa's remaining time playing with Helena. That day in the forest left a heavy impression on Helena. All the magic she witnessed so far was used to attack another, but this showed her magic could be a wonderful thing as well.

While they were playing Destiny approached, and it was only their third meeting since Blackreach. At the feast, Vanessa was quiet from all the new people around, and Destiny spent the last few months in the basement. Helena saw her momma and ran up to hug Destiny.

"Did you see Blanka? He's very fluffy, and fun to play with. They have to leave soon so can I play some more?" Helena asked with a smile.

"If it's okay with her," Destiny replied.

"Can we keep playing please?" Helena asked politely

Vanessa nodded as Blanka dashed into the woods as Helena chased after while laughing.

"It seems she's taken a liking to you. I heard how much you've helped the others, and I look forward to seeing you around more." Destiny smile.

"I'm really hoping they let me stay, and thank you for the new robes. I wanted to bring this to you when I arrived, but they said you needed privacy." Vanessa said while retrieving some gold.

"You're a citizen of this city so it's free." Destiny smiled.

Hearing this put a smile on Vanessa's face, and Zack was stuck admiring the beauty of it. Eden welcomed her better than most of the guild. If it wasn't for her strong connection to Shen leaving wouldn't even cross her mind.

"I got your new clothes finished if you wanna try them on." Destiny smiled.

Helena ran up to Blanka hugging him tightly before following her mama. While walking away she turned back waving goodbye to Vanessa.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" Helena shouted.

"She's so adorable," Vanessa said as Blanka brushed up against them.

"Seems he likes Helena too. If you two are so close why don't you bring him out more often?" Zack asked.

Blanka looked up at Vanessa as if it understood his remark.

"I use to, but certain areas aren't permitted for magic, and a few members didn't like Blanka," Vanessa replied while patting his head.

"No one will mind around here. Not sure how well it will fit inside the houses, but your welcome to try." Zack smiled.

"We don't have to worry about that. Show him your house form." Vanessa told Blanka.

Blanka roared, and halfway through it turned into a little meow. The massive tiger was now a young cub walking around the garden without a worry. Even Zack had to admit that it was an adorable thing to have around.

"Why would anyone complain about him?" Zack asked while crouching down to greet Blanka.

"He would get defensive when people would tease me, and even lashed out at a member of the circle," Vanessa replied.

"I saw how he acted around Helena, and he's definitely peaceful. If Blanka lashed out at someone it just shows what kind of person they were. Your welcome to roam here all you want." Zack told Blanka while standing up.

Vanessa was filled with joy to see Zack welcoming her oldest friend, and wanted to embrace him. With her special ability, Vanessa tripped over her robe landing on Zack's back. Zack rolled over to see Vanessa hiding against his chest. He carefully unveiled her face as he smiled down at her.

"Does this happen with everyone?" Zack asked while stroking the top of her head.

"N-no," Vanessa replied while cautiously glancing upwards.

"Does that mean I'm special?" Zack asked while placing his arms around her.

Vanessa nodded as she slowly scooted up to look into his eyes. She felt his chest carefully while leaning in timidly. Zack leaned up kissing her as his hands slid up her back. Feeling his tongue slowly enter her mouth she pulled back touching her lips.

"Thought you would've liked that I'm sorry."

Vanessa quickly kissed him again attempting to copy his technique before hiding against his neck. Her heart was pounding like crazy, and she felt so tiny huddled up atop of him. Zack's hands trailing around her back made her look back up.

"I'm not sure i-if that was ri-right...I require more experimenting to know for sure." Vanessa replied.

"That's why you need to come back to us." Zack smiled.