7 comments/ 32210 views/ 14 favorites Bound Together Ch. 01 By: sinny435 In many stories, how it begins is usually the most important part. Adventures can begin with a budding hero being gifted a mystical item or sent on a quest to save the world. Others could begin with something being stolen such as a loved one or precious treasure which must be reclaimed. From a vigilante that keeps the peace outside the law to an outlaw fighting for what is right, all of these are what enthrall people to keep reading. I also have a story, but sadly it begins slightly...alright very differently from other stories. My story begins with a stubbed toe; you saw right, the turning point in my life culminated with me stubbing my toe on a very hard steel beam. Pretty sad isn't it? But unfortunately it's the truth and it is from there in which the story of Alexander (Alex) Young begins. Before going on with my story, let's give you folks some background on how I ended up in that situation. I lived a pretty 'normal' childhood and went through school with slightly higher than average grades. I began working around 16 and decided to not go to college due to my small family not being able to support such an endeavor nor were my grades enough for any type of significant scholarship. Skip a couple years and at 20, I was still working at the same company, with a raise or two since my start. With my father's passing the year before I had finally gotten over the last few dregs of grief. Entering work one day, I overheard whispers but was unable to discern what they were about since they hushed up quickly as I passed by. Paying it no mind, I assumed it to be another rumor going through the grapevine I called a workplace. Just before going to begin working on a new project, my boss pulls me into his office. After a large amount of fluff apologizes and shoddy reasoning, my boss proceeds to tell me of the need to let me go due to the company consolidating a couple positions together. Deciding that my position was one of the many which weren't needed, I was chosen despite my dedicated years of service. I didn't really know how to react, shocked at the news I trotted out of work and took an early bus home. I was in such a daze that I had almost forgotten to pay the bus fare. Somehow managing to get off at the right stop, I arrived home and walked in sullenly. Throwing my work stuff on the small love seat I headed to my bedroom while loosening my belt. Seeing my bed empty and still wrinkled from getting up in the morning, I flopped on the bed, mentally exhausted. After a couple minutes, I knew that I should try and find another job, but in the middle of the thought my phone rang. Knowing that I had almost no real contacts besides my mother and a couple people from work err ex-work I was confused at who may be calling. Picking up the phone I heard a female's voice I didn't recognize. "Hello? Is a Mr. Young there?" My brow furrowed in confusion, "Yes, this is he, Is there some kind of issue?" "We're sorry to inform you that your mother had passed away from an accident earlier this morning. She had yet to be identified until the wreckage could be sorted through. We are calling to see..." I didn't quite remember anything said at that point, I'm sure there were some condolences and legal things concerning my mother's body. However, my heart ached so much I couldn't even cry. Dropping the phone I left my home in a rush, I had to go somewhere, do something besides think of the pain coursing through my soul. The scars from my father's death that had just healed were ripped open again. I had walked in a daze for a while because I ended up noticing myself at a local bridge. It was much colder than I was clothed for and I was beginning to lose feeling in my fingers and ears. I saw a steel beam and for some reason felt that it was the cause of all that had happened. I kicked the offensive beam, regretting immediately when the pain coursed through my leg. Sitting down at a small awning of the bridge I tended to my foot. Looking out into the already darkened sky, the lights peppered the scenery and almost made me forget my troubles. I began to think if I had closed the door to my apartment on my way out. Laughing much harder than one should at this time, I'm sure anyone would think of me as crazy. Leaning on my palms, I stared into the darkness. "So I'm guessing you had a bad day?" "You could say that, I frankly don't remember..." I slowly focused upon to the voice, realizing that I hadn't noticed anyone come nearby and frankly didn't think anyone would this late. Seeing him come into view I became even more confused, the man who looked to be in his late 20's or early 30's wore a slightly worn cheap business suit. The oddest thing about this man however was the pure silvery hair on the top of his head. Not a color one could easily obtain through dying and not old age. Well, there was also the fact that he was floating a few feet in front of me, above the safety of anything to hold him up. And while people may freak out, scream or whatever manner of panic. I just looked with a questioning gaze, shrugged and continued talking. Looking down at my hands I began. "A few years back my Dad passed away, we were kind of expecting it because he had some issues with some type of liver cancer. But him not being there hit me harder than I thought it would. And then just not too long ago I got 'let go' from a company I've been working for a while. To top it all off my mother dies in an accident of some kind. I guess I wasn't able to take all that bad news at one time. Heh, pretty pathetic from an almost grown man." "I wouldn't say that, you have gone through what many have not. You obviously cared much for your family or you wouldn't be in so much sorrow at their passing. That and you were still in control enough to not result in harming yourself or others." Looking at my foot he grinned. "Well, except for your toes." I looked to my left and sitting there was the same middle-aged man in a worn suit. "Huh, so you are real. I wasn't sure with the floating and such." "Well, not many people tell me their life story when I show up. Most scream, faint or run away." "Heh, guess I've had a little too many surprises today, why not pile on another one. I kinda enjoyed being able to talk to someone about it though." Offering a hand to the man I shook his hand. "My name is Alex, and what might yours be?" "Ahhh yes, you can call me Cane. I'll be your principal soon should you accept the invitation." "Invitation? To what?" "To my school, of course." Before I could open my mouth Cane continued. "And before you ask, it is a very special school where I personally pick out each student. As for what kind of school it is, let me just say that it is for the magically inclined. I know you must have questions, but they will be answered sometime or another once you get settled. That is, of course, what school is for. Now then, what may your answer be? Will you become a student of my school? " His previous jovial expression suddenly became much more serious. "However I will warn you, this path is one you can absolutely not go back from, and depending on your aptitude the journey will either be a good one or a high chance of getting you killed." Seeing his expression return to that of a carefree soul, I waited and realized he would say no more. Thinking about it, I had just lost my job and my parents. Didn't have any close relatives or girlfriends. Even if I said no, would I be able to continue on anyway? Probably but it would be tough, the only concern that nagged at my soul was the death of my mother. I had just gotten the rest my father's funeral debt paid off a couple months ago, and thinking of what it would cost to solely pay for another was tremendous. But I couldn't just leave her like that, it would tear my mind apart after a while. Looking up at Cane, I had made up my mind. "While I would have gone with you considering what amazing things may happen, I cannot leave without honoring my mom with a proper burial. It won't be very fancy or with a headstone, but I can't leave without doing something." Despite thinking that this man wouldn't be very happy at the prospect of losing a student, he actually smiled. "A fine answer Mr. Young, had it been anything else I would have denied you. Now I will take care of your mother's passing and pay for a burial that will honor your dedication to your loved ones, of that you have my word." He reached inside his suit and drew out three items which did not look like they should fit inside his suit. The three items were a book that looked to be 2 or 3 hundred pages long, a staff or walking stick about 4 feet in length, lastly there was a sphere made of what looked to be glass or crystal, it was slightly larger than I could hold in one hand. "Now then, you may have an affinity for magic but that means nothing if you cannot control it. These three objects are something that can help you as such, however, the one that best bonds with you will end up being yours. Touch each object and I'll see how they react." Seeing as the items were floating in front of me, I had some concern for caution. However, I touched each object with my right hand and none of them really seemed to do anything nor feel anything besides what I could see. Cane had watched closely and pondered curiously at the reactions, these relics all had no resonance with the boy, clearly not enough for a contract. Pondering this, he had remembered one instance and was glad he decided to bring that particular relic along on a whim. "Well, it looks like none of the relics reacted toward you." My shoulder's dropped slightly at the news. "However...I would like for you to try one last relic. This one is a tad unique and none of my previous students hadn't chosen one of the three previous." Cane stood and his whole arm reached into the suit, looking as if he were searching for something. Cane grabbed a hold of it and drew out what was quickly looking much like a sword. Despite my expectations, both the scabbard and the sword were plain, it was a normal looking sword with a hilt, guard and blade around 4ish feet long, maybe a tad shorter. Despite my obvious confusion at such an object, I oddly felt drawn to the hilt. Grabbing it tentatively, I took it out of its scabbard and looked at the blade. Cane and I looked, almost as if expecting something to occur. When nothing occurred for a couple moments, we both sighed. Almost too fast to react, the sword burst into flame, giving a shock to the both of us. I couldn't release the sword at all and the flame grew as it looked to almost re-forge the blade before our eyes. As the flame started to wane and eventually disappear in a puff of smoke at the tip, the sword had transformed into a gleaming blade. The hilt felt molded to my hand with a little extra space for what I guessed to be for a little extra power when held in both hands. The guard became more sturdy and ornate, what looked like rubies were actually spherical gems with fires contained within. Lastly the blade itself had thinned in the middle while and much sharper towards the edges. It had actually shrunk slightly and became curved reminiscent of a Japanese Katana. Recovering faster than I, Cane nodded and spoke up. "Well, that was more theatrical than usual, however, congratulations Mr. Young, you have bonded to your relic. The more formal stuff comes later so I'll be on my way to take care of your mother's burial. Of course, your parents will be buried next to one another." Sitting up and dusting off his slacks, he offered one last bit of advice before leaving. "Watch your decent, this had gone on longer than I expected so get a good night's rest. Do get to know your partner in the near future." Just as I was going to question what he had said, the ground beneath me disappeared and I fell to who knows where. I thought at that instant 'Damn, this is gonna be a long fall'. To my continued surprise, the trip did not last very long if at all. However, I ended up falling from the ceiling, hit a bed and flop on the floor. How do I know this? Because I was currently staring at a ceiling, dazed from the fall. Looking over at my hand, I noticed that I still gripped the sword. Thankful that I had managed to put it in the scabbard before falling into the room. *So you're to be my partner?* It took me a bit to realize that the words were not spoken from my mouth nor even thought from my mind. I looked around the spacious room and after seeing nothing too strange, my eyes landed back on the sword. *Yes, as you may have guessed, I had spoken to your mind as I do not currently have any sort of vocal cords in this form. My name is Embervesent and you are the first one to have become my Manithari.* "Wow, that's a beautiful name. You can you change your form? Also, I hope I'm not being too nosy but what is a Manithari?" With what sounded very similar to a light laugh, Ember continued. *While it takes some energy to change and maintain another form, but not much. The sword you hold now is my default form and requires no energy to maintain, should I run out of energy I will revert to that form. As for what a Manithari is, the school will be able to tell you more detail, but it basically means that you are one that has been bound to a magical being through a relic.* "Huh, is that so? Well, Ember I'm going to sleep. All of this excitement is a bit much for my brain right now, so good night." Crawling into bed, I gently placed Ember leaning against the wall and promptly fell asleep. One last thought passed through my brain before succumbing to sleep. 'Bound Together huh?' Bound Together Ch. 02 Having an internal clock is pretty useful. For one you'd need fewer alarms and once you get into the habit of waking up at the time, being able to plan your day around that is useful during times one doesn't have work or whatnot. As for myself, my internal clock was set to around 8 in the morning, enough to take care of my bladder and other morning duties. In the middle of brushing my teeth, I woke up enough to realize that this wasn't my usual cramped bathroom. Peering just above head, there looked to be a mass of fire curled on top of my hair. While I could see it, I wasn't entirely all together and proceeded to freak out. "Wha?!" My first reaction was to pat out the flame, but just before I was about to touch the mass of fire it yawned and a small cat-like head popped out. *Morning Manithari, your up early.* A cat paw rubbed its eyes and yawned again. *I'm not going to burn you if that's what you're thinking, I didn't burn your hand the other night either and won't in the future so don't worry. Now I'm going back to sleep* The head returned into its nestle of fire and I could only stand there. It took the toothbrush falling into the sink to jolt me back into action. Finishing brushing, I decided to skip washing my face and returned to the room. Browsing the room, I found a couple sets of uniforms and a note on top of one of them. Snatching the paper, I sat on the bed. The note read: Hello, Alexander Young, This is Cane, your principal. I would have liked to give you a tour of the school, however, the process with your mother took longer than I had expected. Thus, I am sending one of my senior teachers to be there in my stead. The room you are in now will be yours for your stay at the school and classes will begin a couple days after. Hope you will be acclimated in that time. I looked back at the clothes and then to what I was wearing. While my clothes weren't all too dirty, I supposed that uniform is a uniform for a reason. The bottom portion was a sturdy looking pair of black slacks, but the material felt much like jeans. Aside from the lack of belt loops, it was a pretty normal looking pair of pants. Not noticing anything in the form of underwear, I was thankful the pair I had been wearing were fresh. However, the top portion of the uniform was slightly different from what I was used to. The shirt was a deep crimson, it was long sleeved and looked to be long enough on the torso to be tucked into the pants. Oddly though, there was a black band on both sleeves just above the elbow. As I was putting on the shirt and wrapped my arm around the band, the sleeve suddenly disappeared up until the band. Trying again with the other sleeve resulted in the same. It was around then when a knock sounded and woke me from my shock. "Hello? This is Jade, one of the teachers here. Please wake, we have a couple things to do today." "Ahhh, I am already awake. You may come in if you'd like, just putting on these new clothes." Entering the room after a small pause was a fairly 'normal' looking teacher. Despite my wild imagination of a slightly pudgy woman with a witch hat and wand; the woman before me looked a tad taller than my own self (5 foot 3 inches), auburn hair to about her shoulders and a light figure without being gangly. Most notable about her appearance was the accompany of a bright green parrot of some sort and piercing sea-green eyes. Holding a clipboard and pen, she looked at me curiously, not at all surprised by the ball of flame atop my head. Seeing my fiddling of the clothing, Jade went on to explain. "Ahhh yes, the shirt band, as you have found out, can remove the material on and past the elbow by turning the band clockwise, for magical and physical practices that I will explain later. To make them reappear just turn the band counter-clockwise. Also, it wicks away sweat which you will be thankful for in the future. As for the pants, they are slightly resistant to elemental magics and help reduce lactic acid buildup in your legs. Lastly the jacket has a thin layer of heat regulating crystals woven into the fabric which helps with survival tests and is something you should try not to lose outside of school premises as they are quite tedious to create. Aside from one jacket that is provided the other pieces are fairly easy to wash or replace. If you have questions you may ask them during the tour and I'll see if I can answer them. Now as for your relic, may I see it's basic form, please?" "Huh?" After she pointed towards Ember I remembered that they were called the same by Cane. Hesitantly petting the fire on my head, I asked the sleepy cat. "Sorry to bother your nap, but can you return to being a sword?" Replying with a small nod, the flame collapsed and crawled into my hand and forged itself into the sword and scabbard. Jade's expression changed to that of surprise for an instant, then began writing a couple notes down on the clipboard while mumbling to herself. "Well then, I may have to change your schedule around but let's get the tour started shall we? Also bring the jacket, it's a tad chilly today." Noticing that the conversation was over, Ember proceeded to turn back into a cat and settle on the top of my noggin. "You really like being a cat huh? And my head of all things?" *Well, all of us that are bound to relics need to recover our energy at first. Plus your head is cozy and I noticed you've wanted a cat, so when I tried out the form I ended up loving it. Now back to sleep, enjoy your tour and don't worry about me falling off* With another audible yawn, the cat fell asleep. With a laugh the teacher smiled, "Looks like you have quite the handful." Dawning the jacket, I shrugged. "It's not too bad, Ember isn't heavy at all and it's actually kinda warm. Just hope other people don't think my head is on fire and try to put it out or something." Jade laughed and smiled. "Initially I wasn't so keen on touring you around for the day, but this is is looking to be quite enjoyable. Oh, forgive me, I do not know your name." "My name is Alexander Young, Alex for short. If you don't mind me asking, what should I address you as? Being a teacher and all." "Jade is fine, there really isn't a system for those who teach like doctorates or something similar. Of course it will depend on the teacher more than anything else. However people with magical abilities do have a gradient in which to measure their powers and achievements, but that doesn't really come with ranks per say. While some students will naturally be stronger than others, generally the staff is stronger than that of the students, with the principal of course higher than all of us. Well before we use up anymore time, let's get this tour started." Nodding I followed beside Jade. We first went outside the building and Jade explained that the fairly large building served as the living quarters of all the students, having separate wings for females and males. There was no rule against couples but they needed to gain rights to a room in the third wing to be able to stay in one room together. Obtaining those rights depended on the principal mostly so not many knew the requirements needed. Other than couples the third wing had a couple other benefits but Jade really didn't go into detail. Next stop was at the a look at the school. At first the building looked like any other school with classrooms and the like. However the cafeteria was much more high-class than I though It'd be. Much like one of the headquarters of the company I had visited once for a business trip. The eating area was set up in multiple stations which offered a variety of different foods and people would pick and choose and pay for the meal at the end. Interestingly the various stations were created and manned by some of the older students which is why there were many different cuisines to choose from. As for currency each student was given an allowance of sorts that could be increased through various means but was largely up to the principal in the end. The money earned would be able to use towards purchasing food to supplies for training and even aesthetic items. Lastly we went outside the school building and behind the building was a sight that shocked me speechless. In front of me was what looked to be a Colosseum, I had not personally seen the one in Rome, however this building was colossal, no pun intended. While the school itself was much larger than any that I've seen, this Colosseum easily was larger. There was a curved wall which i assumed to form around to make a circle. The building itself was made from some type of light tan stone, on the bottom floor there was a huge arch which seemed to be the entrance. On the upper floors were what looked to be windows but with no glass and also in the form of arches. Jade explained that while we were not allowed to enter the building at the moment, it was used to train the students in various ways. The building was called The Crucible, and not only was the space larger than a baseball stadium, it could change the grounds within to several different environments. That being the end of the tour, Jade and I made our way back to the dorm rooms. Exhausted despite having just walked around, I happily flopped onto the bed. Seemingly unaffected by everything, Jade smiled at my actions. "Well than Alex, how was the tour and do you have any questions before I'm off?" Lifting myself up on my elbows, one question burned at the back of my mind. Okay many questions were in my noggin, but one more than the others. "I have thousands of questions actually, but I'll leave it at one for now. Seeing how big this place is, where are the other students? We had been walking around for a bit and I haven't seen anyone." "Oh I completely forgot, it is usually pretty lonely at these times but I had gotten so caught up in showing you around I didn't notice. You know how the principal hand selects students right?" I just nod. "Well because of that the school is was built to accommodate a large amount of students. And at first the amount of students were low, throughout the centuries the student body got larger. But this school is built in a place of its own. It's kind of hard to describe correctly but the simplest way to think of this space would be a pocket dimension, and thus there is other pocket spaces. I won't go into detail about the others since it should be explained in classes, but there is a fairly larger space in which houses the commercial area and such. That is where the other students and most of the staff are at the moment, I was on rotation to keep track of the school and I guess to show you around. As for when they will be back, it should be in the next couple days. As per schedule, there is about a 5 week time in which we do several things than repeats. The schooling period is around 3 weeks, 1 week of a of self study to do missions or events held by the schools, lastly the 5th week is a break of sorts where the students travel to the commercial district." Jade's eyes went out of focus a bit as if she were thinking or hearing something inside her head. "Well I hope you have somewhat gotten used to the school and I'll see you in class, I teach history. I'd love to stay and chat but I have some things to take care off before the other students arrive." And with that Jade and her parrot left the room. Flopping back onto the bed my head swirls with all that I had seen and learned. It was all very new and surreal, so much so I thought I would wake up in the old world several times. Removing the jacket and laying, err throwing it with the other sets of uniforms I wiggled into the sheets. Feeling something curl up into the crook of my arm, I lifted the blanket and saw Ember still very much a cat. "Whoa, I almost forgot you were there for all of today. If you sleep so much you'll become a very lazy cat you know." Ember's head popped up and glared at me, and while the expression was not very intimidating she was still a fire cat. Holding out a paw she lightly touched my nose. Despite being what she was the paw felt much like that of a cat. *Little one, you and I have just met. While I cannot tell of the future I am glad to have been bound to one such as you. You have such a noble heart and while you may need to harden it for trials to come, I'm sure we can get through it together. Besides you have me at your side and no matter what you may choose to do or become, I will be by your side. I am your sword and you are my Manathari. Now then let us both get some rest, you look more tired than I.* Smiling, I pet Ember a couple times and warmth radiated from my soul. This moment, despite everything was one of the best things that had ever happened to me. I hadn't realized just how miserable I was not a couple hours ago. Looking up at the ceiling I imagined my parents back together somewhere urging me to let go and run for my own future. I closed my eyes and felt the warmth in my heart drift me off to sleep. I didn't exactly know when I had woken up, but I found myself sitting upon that fateful bridge again. Cold pierced my entire body, clothed in not nearly enough for the chilling night. So sure that the magic school was a reality, I laughed in a somber tone. I cursed myself for being so stupid, I mean a school for magic? I probably came out here and fell asleep, not my smartest move but I suppose wasn't thinking too clearly at the time. With the horizon beginning to turn purple, I knew it would only be a couple hours until sunrise. Trying to get up I realized that my body responded sluggishly and my muscles resisted the urge to function. *What a shame, I was hoping that you would be more impressive, taller even. You're but yet a child that has yet to see the truth of the world you have been brought into.* Spinning around but forgetting the state my body was in, I stumbled to the ground. In a voice so weak I barely recognized it as my own, I spoke out to the imposing voice. "Wha...what are you talking about? Who...are you?" *Pitiful, you will be but another insect beneath the tide that is about to engulf your new world. Struggle with all your might, because when my Razirq arrive it will be so disappointing if there is no sport in the conquering. Even with the Elemental Queen you will fail, just as you had failed your parents. " With an fading echo the voice laughed and eventually disappeared. With a voice exploding in fury I rose up from my straining body and shouted. "You don't know me! I will not be accused as the cause of my parents deaths, I have and always will cherish their memory! And your taunts will not sway my heart, I do not know who or what you are but do not come back!" Despite my invigorated state, my body could not keep up and I tripped once again, tipping over the awning and falling into the cold river. Jolting upright in the bed, I was sweating terribly, my muscles tense. I was angrier than I had ever been in my life. However no matter how much I tried, the odd dream seemed to slip through the cracks in my fists as I tried to grasp what exactly had happened. Shortly after waking I only remembered a couple key words 'Elemental Queen' and 'Razirq'; that and the overwhelming desire to train. Feeling a pawing at my leg, Ember spoke. *Manathari? Is everything alright? I saw that you were shaking and started to sweat a lot? Your emotions seemed to be in turmoil as well.* Petting Ember I was able to calm down slightly and gather thoughts. I knew I had to tell someone about this but didn't know who to tell. "Ember, do you know anything of an Elemental Queen? Or the name Razirq? I just had a bad dream or something and it seemed to be pretty important." *Hmmm I have not yet fully awakened with all the memories of my past self, however the title Elemental Queen seems familiar. Other than that no, I'd suggest you ask for guidance from this schools principal, he seems like a fellow who might know. I'm sorry not being able to know more.* "No, you gave me a good way to get some possible answers. Thank you Ember." Scratching behind her ears I got up from bed and got dressed in a new set of cloths. Right as I opened the door to head out, I almost face planted into Jade standing outside. Thankful that we hadn't actually crashed into one another I took a step back. "Hello Jade. Sorry about that, I didn't expect you to be out here." Recovering from the slight shock better than I, Jade waved it off. "It's okay, I didn't expect you to be up this early. You look a little flustered this morning, everything alright?" "I had a bad dream, nothing to worry about. I was actually just going out to find you. Do you per chance know how to get into contact with Cane? I would like to talk to him about something." With a perplexed look, Jade tilted her eyes up thinking. "I'm not sure if he is back yet, but I can lead you to his office where he usually resides. Follow me please." With Ember deciding to walk besides us this time, we headed towards the school building. Oddly enough as we were traveling the various hallways, we entered the large library. Now I've been to a couple public libraries in my day and while none of them were too huge this room easily dwarfed them all. There were rows of shelves filled with various books and tomes of what subjects I couldn't even begin to imagine. The room was structured in a way that didn't seem cramped and allowed for studying and even had two spiral staircases leading to a second floor. Being as this school was a three tiered building, I was surprised that this much of it was dedicated to the library. Going up one of the staircases we moved past a couple rows of shelves and facing us was a sturdy wooden door with a large amount of inscriptions on the boarder. Jade knocked on the door and whispered something I couldn't hear. After a couple moments the door was opened by a man who looked like an elite of elite butlers. Cane sat behind a desk with all manner of books and paperwork on it with his jovial expression. "Ahhh welcome Mr. Young, what brings you to my office? Please sit; Walter if you don't mind bringing us some refreshments? Would you like coffee or tea?" Jade excused herself, saying that she had some other work to get done. Thanking her before she left I sat down in one of the comfy looking chairs. "Oh sure, Black Tea with a bit of sugar if you have it. Ember you want something?" She sat in my lap and shook her head no. Cane nodded towards Walter. "Fantastic choice, I shall have the same. Now then Mr. Young, what would you like to tell me? I'm sure you wouldn't come here without a reason." Thanking Walter for the fragrant cup of tea, I placed it on the small table beside the chair. "Yes actually, I wasn't sure if this meant anything or not, I just had a eerily realistic nightmare and while I don't remember the most of it, there are a few things I have remembered that don't make any sense to me. I was wondering if you would know more." Cane nodded for me to continue. "Of what I remember is only two phrases, Elemental Queen and Razirq. " Immediately after hearing those words Cane lost his jovial smile and in its place was an expression of deep thought. He looked towards Walter and whispered something to the butler. Making his departure shortly after, Walter bowed and headed out of the room. "Don't mind him, he is just on an errand for the moment." Cane blew on his own cup before sipping the hot liquid. "As for the name Razirq I do not know for certain, I will look into it." Looking up as if to remember something long forgotten, Cane took another sip of tea and began. "There is a very old tale concerning The Elemental Queen; in the tale multiple Queens exist, three to be exact. There are the Queens of Fire, Ice, and Shadow. Each Queen holds great power by themselves, but specialize in one facet of battle. Because of such the Queens are very secluded from other entities even the ones they control; which in turn makes information about them slim at best. However the tale also states that should the three Queens work in concert with one another has the potential to be of unrivaled strength. Of course being as a tale it cannot be verified of any facts, however there is one interesting clue as to its truth. The Queens only can be unlocked by one with no affinity with magic at all. Also that person can only use the special relics, one held by each of the school's principal. I know them personally, and they will not give them away for a mere dream. The only way in which you may able to obtain them would be through a contest held by the each school. You're in luck, our school has just finished our contest, which is why the other students are on break. The other two schools should be hosting their tournaments within 5 and 10 weeks time." Bound Together Ch. 02 It took me a bit to process what Cane had just revealed. After my brain took enough time to decipher what was said I blurted out. "What?! No affinity with magic? Me? But I'm pretty sure you said you felt something from me when we met on the bridge." Cane drank the rest of the tea and settled back into his chair. "Well to be honest, I wasn't actually hunting for students at that time. I was following a lead on a magical tome that had been uncovered in a crypt when I heard your shout of pain. On a whim I peeked to see you and felt some magic, I guess it came from the sword linking to you subconsciously. Also while the other principals and I knew of the tale, searching every single non-magic person would be a hassle we quickly just looked for those with budding talent. And while the tale describes you as having the potential to great power, it doesn't tell of what exactly are your strengths if there are any. From what I had gathered, most of your power is dependent on the bond to the Queens. This is all speculation of course since I have no experience with this happening myself. I'll see if I can have your classes changed to focus more on physical training and knowledge rather than magic for now." Crumpling into the chair, drained of my previous enthusiasm of the other day. I was glad that I wasn't completely useless in this new world, however the expectation to wield magic was exciting. Absent mindedly scratching Ember's head, I tried to sort out the chaos that swarmed my thoughts. While it was disappointing to not be able to use magic, I was in this world now and I would make the be at of it I could. Sorting out my priorities, I first would need to train my body to better utilize a sword. Second I need to gather any information about the Elemental Queens and Razirq without arousing too much attention. Lastly is trying to gather skills necessary to get the other two relics. Grasping the teacup I drank the cooled tea to the last drop. "Thank you for the information, I have a lot to think about and absolutely do not regret coming to this school. Now if you'll excuse me I would like to go to my room and rest, this trip ended up being quite more tiring than I had expected." "Of course, should you have any more concerns do not hesitate to contact Walter as my schedule can be hectic at times." Getting up from his desk, Cane came over to my seat. "Before you leave though, let me release one of the locks on Ember." With a very rapid amount of drawing done on the air, a circle with thousands of tiny runes appeared in front of Ember's head. Finished, Cane walked back to his chair and witg a loud snapping noise the circle shattered and disappeared without a trace. "What was that just now?!" I couldn't tell if anything had changed at that moment. I wasn't even sure if what had happened actually happened. Sitting back down, Cane rested back in the chair. "I have just released one of the locks set on Ember, specifically the relic which contains her essence. There are three locks in total which prevent the misuse of any power by the student as well as protect the student from any backlash since they have not grown into their relic's potential. Usually there is a period of time, about a week, before the first lock is released since students will usually have some talent on their own. In your case however I have decided to give you a little grace period before the school starts up. The other locks are released based on my digression or when the student has successfully passed their schooling to take the next level. Some students progress quickly while others take more time, I care not how fast one grows however their growth is still important. Take this time and train with Ember there. Off you go, I have things I must get done." Thanking Cane, I walked out with Ember padding along right in front of me. Walking outside the sky is beginning to darken. 'Huh, I was in there much longer than I expected.' Heading towards the dorms I didn't come across anyone and ended up by my room after a few minutes. Inside, I removed my jacket and lied down on the bed, mentally exhausted. Crawling onto my stomach, Ember purred contently. *So, I have regained a little more of my memories and power. I'm sure you must have questions, and I'll answer them to the best of my ability.* "I guess, but I'm pretty tired right now. To be honest I think I could sleep all tomorrow too heh." Smiling, I looked at the ceiling. "Thank you for choosing someone like me, despite everything that may happen I don't regret having met you." *I didn't choose someone like you, I choose you and you alone because I knew you were one of the most kindhearted and virtuous souls that I've met in a long time. And knowing that it's you, I'm sure we can retrieve my sisters as well, for whatever may face us.* Fatigue had begun to set in and my eyes were closing on their own. "Well we are bound together after all."