When I finished, I stared at my work rather happily, however, I knew the trickiest part had yet to come. Despite that I couldn't read the ancient tongue, the images described there was a second part needed to activate the rune. Luckily from my time reading as a kid, I recalled there were two ways to cast a spell.
The first was using your own god gifted talents from the mana running through your veins.
The second was blood sacrifice.
Since I never used magic before, the likelihood I had enough mana in my body was slim. Even if I did have such power, I wouldn’t know how to control it, which meant the second path would have to be taken.
I retrieved one of the knives on display, letting it settle above my palm over the rune. I pricked my finger just barely, setting my hand against the floor and discarding the knife. The circle burst to life upon contact, glowing multiple colors that eventually blinded my vision for a brief moment.
When I could see again, I was sprawled on the kitchen floor, leaning against my hands for support.
“Cassian!” Leon rushed to my side, kneeling to check on me.
I spotted Sagittarius idly standing near the counter top and my mind set ablaze. “You!!!” I shouted, crawling towards him.
Sagittarius took one look at me stunned, dropping his bowl of food on the floor where it smashed to pieces.
“Just you wait until I get up from here,” I warned him, unable to find my strength to stand. “I don’t care about our age difference, I’m going to smack you.”
“I’m twenty six.”
“And you’ll be fifty six by the time I’m done,” I countered back at him.
“Now now, Cassian darling,” Leon said calmly, trying to soothe my nerves. “Don’t be hasty.”
“He locked me in his room for four whole days without food or water!”
Leon shot him a side glance.
“What?” He demanded, folding his arms in a defensive stance. “The kid wanted me to train him.”
“Training???” I got up, finally finding my balance and lunged for him. “I’ll show you training!”
We ended up slightly bruised when Aelius broke up our fight, knocking us both to the floor.
“This is so unfair,” I tried to protest. “He started it first.”
“I don’t want to hear it,” Aelius said dryly, clicking his tongue. He folded his big arms while glaring at us, “You're in my kitchen, so have some manners and fight elsewhere if you must.”
I grumbled with my legs crossed beside Sagittarius. I was half tempted to ignore Aelius and break into another brawl but I decided to calm myself instead. I was so hungry the bowl of spilled food on the floor was starting to look appealing.
Aelius noticed the direction of my gaze and sighed heavily, “Stay there. I’ll whip something up.” He went about, going to work by grabbing some ingredients from the stocked cupboards.
Meanwhile, I glanced at Sagittarius who was watching me with interest. “Yes?” I demanded unpleasantly not bothering to hide my foul mood.
“You really surpassed my expectations, kid,” he complimented with a look of fascination and a faint smile. “You are quite resourceful.”
“Of course I am,” I said proudly. “I was on the streets when I was a kid,” I explained, lowering my voice. “My brother was the most favored of us two. He was given everything, while I was forced to live in rags. I guess you could say regarding survival, I’m most familiar with the concept.”
There was a sudden silence in the kitchen. Even Aelius froze over the boiling pot, holding a pack of noodles.
“Cassian, I’m sorry for my prejudiced behavior,” Sagittarius said in a low voice, looking away. “That was wrong of me.”
Aelius continued filling the pot with ingredients, stirring slowly.
I didn’t particularly like the sympathetic atmosphere so I shrugged, leaning back on my hands to casually look at the ceiling. “I’m not looking for you to hold me in high regard,” I said softly. “If you want to do anything for me, just continue to view me with contempt so that I never lose my resolve.”
“But kid,” Sagittarius countered, catching my gaze with earnestness. “That’s simply not true. You misunderstand my words.” He revealed a halfhearted smile, “Do you think I don’t know the reason you reached out to us? If the nobles were treating you right, then you wouldn’t have gone through such measures to reach out to an external source for help. I had no idea they neglected you to such an extent though,” he admitted gravely. “I’ll always have your back, kid.”
“We both will,” Aelius confirmed, handing me a piping hot bowl of noodles and veggies. “Rest at ease, you’re safe with us.”
I felt overwhelmed with emotions from their acceptance, but I was too hungry to say more so I dug into my meal, thanking them both.
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
"...looking down upon the world, the sky god Caelestis cried bringing the first rainfall. 'This is your punishment' the earth goddess said. 'You fell for a human, but the human turned against you and now look where you're at?' Her scornful gaze judged him but with great pity.” Themis captured the voice of each character with great care as he weaved together the tale.
The lounge was illuminated in soft candlelight, displaying a comfortable setting of chairs adorned with pillows that ultimately rested on top of a huge rug spread out beneath everyone's feet. There was a small kitchenette by a window that remained dark revealing that the sun had yet to rise. Vines emerged from the roots of the potted plants hanging on the walls. There were also several shelves with books and knick-knacks, though I couldn’t get a proper look.
I sat beside Aiden and those gathered around listening to Themis’s story. For several weeks now, I showed up at the church on time for more fighting lessons with Sagittarius to learn everything I could about offensive and defensive training. After the fourth week though, Sagittarius seemed satisfied with my progression and decided we needed a break.
Themis soon continued after a brief pause. “For a celestial being, falling in love with a human was a forbidden fruit. When that human died, the god in question would mourn them for all eternity. This did not mean they couldn’t fall in love again, but simply they did not want to. Their hearts were not built the way of humans. 'Why did you do it?' The earth goddess finally asked, but Caelestis did not answer. Instead, for many eras to come, the lands would fill oceans and seas with the mourning tears of a heartbroken god."
When finished, he finally put down the book he was reading.
"What the hell? That was sad." Aiden cried out and wiped away his tears.
"It is known as one of the three greatest tragedies." Themis smiled sadly.
From how his unkempt hair was slightly askew and his round spectacles sliding further down the bridge of his nose, I thought he looked deeply troubled by something. Considering this, I chose to ask him, "What were the other two?"
Eagerly as if by a switch, Themis went to grab the book again, his hands hovered over the leather-bound material only to find it snatched beneath him.
Aiden got up, tore it in half, and walked out of the room.
"Ah yes, just what we need, more brooding males," Zenith said gloomily with contempt. She grabbed one of Leon's wine bottles as he walked into the room.
"Zenith darling, be patient, I was about to propose a toast."
Themis looked at him unconvinced. "All I'm hearing is that you want to drink."
"I get the feeling you don't like me and it's hurtful," Leon complained with a pout. He held his chest for emphasis.
Themis rolled his eyes looking truly disgusted and poured a drink for himself.
"Do we really only have brooding drinkers in this household?" Leon asked no one and plopped down discontentedly on the couch next to Aelius who was across from me. "It was supposed to be celebratory to get to know our guests."
"Oh, I'm getting to know them," Zenith muttered above her drink, glancing at the torn pages on the floor. After a moment, she suddenly shouted behind her. "Yo, zodiac sign, get in here!" Above her glass, she smiled deviously at a thought. "We're getting to know our guests."
"Oh, no. Here she goes." Leon mumbled and sank deep into his seat.
Aelius was already on the move to leave.
Helix sipped his soda quietly. He arrived sometime after Leon and I joined the others.
This could only mean what's to come would be bad news. I braced myself as she pulled out a wooden box and placed it on the round table next to her glass.
Her hand brushed over the surface of the wooden exterior and then she went straight for the door where Sagittarius emerged a second later.
Continuing to wear her devious smile, she pulled him into a dance, leaving him no choice but to go along with it.
Elegant music began to resonate throughout the room. It was like a violinist was playing before them, falling into rhythm with their steps. The song was so alluring and merry that everyone began to enjoy themselves.
I found an opportunity to grab Aiden, who was absolutely dumbfounded that he had been pulled away from resting on the couch. “W-what is it?” He asked bashfully, standing his ground. His ears were bright pink.
Given that he still had such a sour expression, I began to poke at his face until he chased me around the room.
We both teased and pulled at each other until one of us grew out of breath and it wasn’t me.
I glared at him victoriously. “And you doubted that I had no skills.”
Surprised at my cheekiness he laughed and took a long sip of his wine. “Who said I ever doubted you? You're a good fighter.” He appeared to mean his compliment earnestly.
Smiling faintly over my glass, I returned with a question feeling a bit nostalgic. “Remember when we met and how anxious you were to impress me?”
“Of course.” He said proudly, recalling the moment. “I had to be the best to stay by your side.”
“But… what if I said you already are the best.” I let the words I have always felt escape my lips bitter-sweetly. “You were from the moment I met you.”
Aiden was quiet.
I’m not sure what expression he was wearing but I continued. "I was just grateful to have you as my friend," I spoke to him softly this time, but I was certain that he heard me.
To think there was someone who stood by me even on my worst days, who loved and supported me unconditionally…
"I have wished every day…" My voice trailed off, unfinished words settling between us.
To escape these chains that bind me. For us to have a better life. A more equal life, where we were not just “master” and “servant" but simply best friends.
My head sank from the sudden weight of having it patted.
There were no words needed. It was clear Aiden was saying, "I already know."
"Cassian, save me!" Leon quickly ducked behind me out of nowhere. "Themis is being mean again." He pouted and pointed to an angry Themis stomping over towards our direction.
"What are you children or grown men? I can't tell anymore." Aiden heaved a grave sigh.
"This weasel," Themis swore and glared at the poorly hidden figure of Leon with a pained expression. "Do you have any idea how long it took to get that edition? I waited in line for hours!"
"Well, now you have an even rarer edition, one with wine on it." Leon offered, smiling faintly.
Themis rolled up his sleeves, "Cassian, I’ve grown to like you, that's why I'm telling you this only once. Move because I'm going to hit that bastard."
I don’t think a fight is appropriate right now. I raised my hands, trying to calm him down. “Can’t we just talk this out like reasonable adults?”
Ignoring my attempt to calm him, Themis took a step forward, eyes unmoved and I chose at this moment to slip over by Aiden. It's not that I didn't want to help but the wiser choice was to stay out of that conflict. Leon was too shameless sometimes for his own good, I remember that much about him.
Before I could debate returning to help, Zenith stepped between the two boys.
She grabbed them both by the ears and pulled them back to their seats, looking completely unbothered.
It was hard to picture this was the same legendary priestess who had survived being hunted by the entire world. No one would believe she could now be found dancing with a monk in the lounge of a broken-down church, singing and manhandling five men. To keep that kind of strength was amazing. I wondered what she was really like behind that nonchalant personality. Unless she was willing to show that side of herself though, it was likely she didn't want her mask to be found.
To my left, Sagittarius quietly approached, leaning comfortably against the wall beside me. He crossed his arms, shoulders sagging, and mumbled to himself while letting his eyes close. "That woman is going to be the death of me."
"She would definitely kill him," Aelius said offhandedly as he walked by us to the kitchenette with a stack of empty cups.
The three of us hid our laughter when he left.
"Your woman is colorful," Aiden commented thoughtfully, studying the unraveled ribbon wrapped around his right hand. As he was fixing the loose end, Sagittarius moved.
He crossed his arms and stared at Aiden pointedly. "Whose woman?"
“Yours I said.” Aiden challenged back, confused at being pursued. He also crossed his arms, standing a bit taller. “I am just stating the facts.”
Sagittarius glared at him. “Well, at least you know to keep your hands to yourself.”
“And apparently you don’t know where your hands belong.”
Oh boy… were they really going to fight now? It seems everywhere I turn I’m dragged into another problem.
Was today a special day?
Did the gods despise me this much?
Leon snatched my hand and pulled me away from the chaos to a quiet corner with just the two of us.
He finally looked at me like I was the finest treasure that he’d ever had the privilege of laying eyes upon and whispered between us with a smile, “That’s very unlikely, Cassian.”
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