One more night turned into another week. Aria knew she needed to leave but being with Elias and Evritt was like hanging with friends who actually enjoyed her company! She doesn’t talk much, but just observing them and seeing how comfortable they are with her makes her feel welcomed. Right now, she and Evritt are sitting in her pseudo room while Elias is on his computer screens yet again. What he does on there she will never know.

“Evritt, I was wondering. You are fairborne, yes? Yet you possess a skill that is not common among them.” Aria asks, her curiosity getting the better of her. She noticed immediately when she talked to him. The little boy always seems to understand her mental state to a degree and sometimes she has even felt his presence in her mind. Which isn’t possible. Even for Eliari.

Evritt nods, a bit excited. He has been waiting on her to ask to he could show off. “Yes, I would be classified as an ajin. That is what they call abnormal ones, who are able to have certain abilities. Elias says it’s because of the breeding between the beast people and the humans, us. Strange, right?” she nods. Oof, her clan would have so disgusted and unnerved by the concept.

“And this is… accepted?” she asks. To that Evritt shrugs.

He continues,” I am not the best person to ask about this. Mainly because I do not have much experience with others outside. But, Elias told me that the beast people aren’t really accepted here in the Grand Order, so they stick to themselves mostly in the Outlands, but some do get in and do some of the more… dirty work.” Aria nods, understanding a bit. Interesting. “But anyways, I have telepathy. I am able to read minds and communicate through thought. It’s very cool in my opinion.”

Aria tilts her head, intrigued,” Show me!”

I’ve definitely gotten better at it. There was a time when I couldn’t even hear my own thoughts because everyone else had thoughts that were so loud. Aria hears it as clear as the skies. It makes sense. This is how the brothers have been talking. She noticed the stares that had been happening between the two when there was a disagreement. It is extraordinary.

“Now, my turn. Tell me about the guardian. Lanai, is that correct?” Evritt pleads. When Aria had mentioned the guardian in passing, Evritt was interested. Whoever it is seemed to be really powerful and really wise.

Aria’s eyes dim slightly, but she perks herself back up. It is nice to have someone interested in learning about her clan, but this is not something she wants to continued being reminded of. She just wants to forget, there are so many taboos that she has committed, but with no clan she has no place and does not want to put herself in the position of trying to please those who glared with contempt.

She begins her story,” A long time ago, there were obviously the Eliari, Faireborne, and the Kivdiner. Three of the Elder Clans. But, what many don’t know is that there was a fourth Clan. A clan of shadows, of darkness called the Umbra.  All together, these four Clans were living in harmony in Allanus. Each had their place in Allanus and it was imperative that nobody tried to break from their role. The Eliari specifically was almost revered as higher beings because of their abilities. With control over the elements, they helped maintain the balance between man and nature. Kivdiner, beast-kin, were considered untamed, dangerous, but fiercely loyal. They fought to protect the Faireborne, who helped advance the technology and society. The Umbra were different. They were able to traverse between Gaeria, the darklands and Allanus. They protected the natural order of Allanus from the dark spirits.

“However, there was a plot happening under the guise of peace. The Umbra wanted more power, they wanted more control. So, they launched an attack. Murdering and killing all those who opposed their rule. Their main threat were the Eliari, due to their opposing natures. One clan represented harmony and light, while the other represented darkness and discourse. Obviously, you can tell which was which. Anyway, one Eliarin was able to stand up to them. They had more strength than the average person and their skills, unordinary. Originally, he was a fire user.

“The Umbra planned to unleash the creatures on Allanus, finally taking over and enslaving everyone. However, this Eliarin was able to pass through the barriers to Gaeria, as well. He fought and fought. Destroying all who stood for evil. Then he was blessed with the other elements, making him virtually unstoppable. Through this battle, he and the other Clans were able to push the creatures back and banished the Umbra into Gaeria. This man was named the first lanai. What became more interesting was that the abilities of the lanai continued as well. Which means there is still a need for them.”

As she finishes, Evritt gazes with stars in his eyes. How cool is that?! The guardian must’ve been a cool person. He glances at Aria,” So which user are you?” he asks. She glances at him, furrowing her brows. Isn’t he the slightest bit fearful?

“I am a fire user,” she lies, hoping he doesn’t try to search her mind. Even though she has locked her thoughts a bit, he is unusually strong. For a faireborne. To prove it, she snaps her fingers. A small flame appears, causing Evritt to gasp.  He gazes at the flame, excited. He’s never seen someone create flames before.

Aria begins to perform some tricks, entertaining Evritt for a little bit. She raises an eyebrow, a bit confused,” Does your brother know that you are here?”

Evritt nods, a bit too eagerly to be truthful,” Of course. He even told me to come keep you company.” Aria furrows her brows. Even with knowing them for a short time, that doesn’t sound like something Elias would say. He is very cautious. He has been the only one to come into the room and give her food and check her vitals. He is very efficient, always explaining his process as he checks everything. She always gets food at the exact same times everyday so that’s always good. However, she has only seen the little brother about three times due to Elias’s wariness.

“I doubt that highly but thank you for keeping me company.” She gives a small smile as the door opens, revealing Elias. Who is wearing a wide grin on his face.

He raises an eyebrow at the sight. Of course, his brother couldn’t hold back his curiosity. He shakes his head,” Evritt, I told you not to bother her. It’s not safe or smart.” He then glances at the girl. She is looking way better than a week ago. Her dark brown skin looks healthier, and her silver eyes look a bit more alive than before. She has the gall to look a bit sheepish at being caught but Elias can’t find it in him to be upset. This is good for both her and Ev. Neither have had much interaction with others so of course they’re going to gravitate toward each other. Even though he is like ten.

“So what is it, Elias? You were smiling when you entered,” Evritt asked, completely ignoring the fussing.

Elias nods,” Oh, right. So I have been tracking for any information on Ma and Da. I happened upon their last sighting at the Arch in Logi. If we can get there, we can find information on our parents and then get out of here.”

Evritt’s eyes widen in shock and excitement. Their parents?! They might be able to find their parents. “That would be awesome!” he sighs,” Aria, my brother is a genius. A for real genius.”

Aria nods in agreement, her pointed ears twitching slightly in question. “Your parents?” she asks. That may explain the cautious behavior of Elias and the strange silence.

Evritt answers,” They are missing, but Elias was able to track their last known location down, so we’re leaving this place. For good.” Aria raises an eyebrow, a bit surprised. She sighs. At least they’ll be able to find their parents. “So… where are you going after you leave?” he asks, a bit embarrassed.

She chuckles quietly,” I’m going to Yalgnar, home of the Kivdiner. I have no place here in Faerin.” When the both of them look at her in confusion, she clarifies,” I believe you call it the outlands.”

Elias nods,” Yeah. Home of the beast kin. That is also where we are going, because the longer we stay here, the more dangerous it is for Evritt. Ajins aren’t really the most accepted.” He goes on to explain,” Those that are found to be ajin will be sent to Amaeus for training and indoctrinated into the New Order of Faerin’s army. Not the best outcome for a ten-year-old.” He adjusts his lenses, glancing at Aria. Who gulps. That doesn’t sound pleasant. If that is what they do to people who are still faireborne, then no wonder they decimated a whole clan.

She sighs,” Well, I doubt me, a fugitive will make this easier for you. Or me for that matter. I cannot stay in one place for too long.”

Evritt butts in,” Well! It seems that our destinations are the same… so what if you traveled with us?” he asks. That would be wondrous. He has this strong feeling that she isn’t someone they should leave alone. Their fates seem to be intertwined. Plus her presence is very… lonely and sad.

Both of them look at him, a bit surprised at the idea. It isn’t the best… but not the worst he has ever came up with. “I don’t think that is the safest idea. I will depart tomorrow. It’s safer for everyone if I leave as soon as possible,” Aria explains. Evritt seems to deflate, his face dropping in sadness.

“But, if we are heading to the same place and if the fates permit us to meet again, we will meet again,” she tries to salvage the situation. He shrugs, not really satisfied with that response.

She looks at Elias, who shrugs. Why would he know what to do? He isn’t a telepath… wait a minute!

He smiles,” You know, you could link her into our frequency, since you seem a bit attached to her. That way we can talk no matter how far apart… right?” Evritt looks up, furrowing his brows before his eyes widen.

“Of course! That will be perfect! I can do that and it’ll be fine!” he looks at Aria,” You know you’re my first friend, so this is the best plan of action.” Before she can comment, he taps her head. Suddenly she feels her thoughts being opened and something like an airway opening up as well. It feels a bit invasive.

Hello? Testing, testing. Can you hear me? She can hear their voices. At least she can hear Evritt’s voice. It’s a bit strange having someone speaking in her head. Strange but not unwelcome.

She sighs, I can hear just fine and well. Thank you for this. She has to hide her smile. It almost felt like she was being accepted as a part of their family. It was a bit surreal.

Aria nods, smiling at the both of them. This is nice. Different, but nice.

~

“Sir, how do you want us to proceed?” Luc asks. He stands at attention, at least a little bit. Facing the man in the chair, he sighs, letting his hair fall in his face.

The man sighs, thinking,” Well, we let the little lanai just run off, now have we?” a dark chuckle escapes his face. “We need someone with the expertise for hunting. We need a merc.”

Luc scowls. Why are they bringing in some outsider who is just going to end up as part of the blood bath at this point? It’s a waste of resources.

“Are you sure?” he asks. His boss pauses, his red eyes focusing on Luc. Who doesn’t even look scared or anxious. What is there to be afraid of anyways. The man is just so caught up in his arrogance that he doesn’t think anything could change his plans. Luc, even with his maniac love for blood and carnage, is a bit more meticulous than him and cannot stand his way of moving through this. But he would never tell him that.

He snaps,” Are you questioning my orders?” Annoyance builds up in Luc’s body as he stares at the man.

He sighs, a bit begrudgingly,” No, of course not.”

The man snorts,” Good. I have the perfect man for the job.”