Chapter XI

  The walk back to his house was far more relaxed than the one to the Citadel since Rennigan now felt like a large weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had done what he set out to do, and now, so long as his read on Nyx wasn’t wrong and she did intend to let him leave the city, he was free to put it all behind him. Of course, that wasn’t to say he hated everything about the City of Erika, which was far from true. There were people there that he cared about, and he had plenty of fond memories in the home that he and Ryokumo lived in for the past couple of years. Even Ilirianna, who had once been such an intimidating person to him, had become a good friend that he would miss dearly, but the simple fact of the matter was that Rennigan needed to change his surroundings. For all the good things in his life, it felt like there were a million bad ones.

  He couldn’t pass by the Academy without longing for Faye, Jessi, and Hiro.

  He couldn’t return to his family’s estate due to his strained relationship with his father.

  The Citadel felt like enemy territory now that he knew about the Wraith.

  And now that he would no longer be the Apprentice of Water, there was nothing keeping him in Erika. He successfully eliminated Quill Tyrus, so he lacked a purpose, one that could not be filled by duty the way his father had suggested back at the tower. It was the previous night when Rennigan decided that he needed a clean slate, somewhere to start from scratch. He had his mage license from the Academy, so he could always travel the country and be a freelance magic user. Abigail did that for a time, and while her healing magic was far more helpful in such a lifestyle, that wasn’t to say he couldn’t find ways to make himself useful.

  Independent mages often sell themselves as bodyguards, he thought. So maybe I could do that. I could always head north, towards Harunhein where snow is abundant. With my skill, I’d be one of the most dangerous mages in the region. I could charge for more because of that, then live a comfortable life in the north. Then again, water is more useful in the deserts surrounding Krato, so instead of being a bodyguard, I could go south and visit the towns and villages that need my help. There are plenty of things I could do with my life…

  He smiled sadly, briefly imagining what it could be like had Ryokumo gone with him. Together, they made a crafty and powerful team that could be ridiculously successful in the bodyguard business. They had, after all, survived countless missions during their investigation into Quill’s invincibility, so becoming traveling independent mages together would be no different from that. It could have been great, but Rennigan knew as an absolute fact that Ryokumo Caeli was far too attached to his life in Erika to leave it all behind for Rennigan’s sake.

  Besides, it’d have been selfish of me to ask that of him—to make him look me in the eyes and refuse me. I wouldn’t want to do that to him, so it really is better if I fade away into the night. Here’s to hoping he’s not home when I get there.

  To his great relief, when Rennigan unlocked the door to their house and stepped into the living room, he found it to be just as silent and empty as when he departed hours earlier. Smiling softly to himself, he pulled the door closed behind him and scanned the room, his eyes lingering on the couch off to his right where he and Ryokumo spent many a night chatting, arguing, and theorizing about one thing or another. They bickered often, but it had become very different from their more aggressive interactions at the Academy. Back then, they truly hadn’t liked each other, but as time moved on, they became close friends.

  Brothers, even… Rennigan internally corrected. Yes, he became like a brother to me… I think, of everything I’m leaving behind, I’ll miss him the most.

  The young man let out a soft sigh as he proceeded forward, making for the stairs as he climbed to the second level and entered his bedroom where a singular duffle bag was resting on the ground beside his carefully made bed. He wasn’t bringing much, just a few sets of clothes, his money, and a few personal items, one of which was the little zombie plushie Ryokumo had once given him upon returning from Omaruo. He walked over and knelt beside the bag, carefully unzipping it as he reached down and produced the stuffed creature, and as he gazed at it, the echoes of a past conversation went through his mind.

  “This is hideous. What the hell is it?”

  “It’s a zombie, Glaus! Have you never heard of them? They’re a famous monster in Omaruan stories that I just had to bring home for you since I figured it would remind you of your father!”

  Rennigan snorted to himself. Why I ever kept this vile thing is beyond even me…though I guess I can’t complain. It’ll be something to remember him by…

  He carefully placed it back inside the bag, closed it up again, then swung it over his shoulder as he returned to a standing position. He decided to give his room one last look, trying to burn the sight into his mind’s eye so he wouldn’t ever forget it, but just as he was finished and turning towards the doorway, he heard a loud noise downstairs, swiftly followed by,

  “Glaus, are you in here?!”

  Rennigan’s eyes went wide before he chuckled to himself. Of course… I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy…

  ***

  “He didn’t tell you then. Caeli, he’s leaving Erika for good. He said that the second our meeting ended, he was departing the city. Did you honestly not know this?”

  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing when Nyx spoke those words to him, but as preposterous as it initially seemed for Rennigan to abruptly leave without so much as saying goodbye, Ryokumo also knew that the Master of Water would have no reason to lie about such a thing. Even if she was mistaken, he couldn’t take that risk, so he bolted through the corridors of the Citadel as fast as he could, running with every ounce of energy in his body as he hopped on a lift, practically freefell to the bottom, then sprinted in the direction of the front gates. He knew he’d get in trouble for using Proto on the tower’s grounds, so he was forced to rely on minorly enhanced speed until he passed into the city itself and could propel himself into the sky. His movements were frantic, aggressive, and wild, which would almost certainly startle any onlookers, but Ryokumo Caeli couldn’t bring himself to care.

  What in the living hell has gotten into that bastard?! How could he do this?! How could he turn down the apprenticeship?! How could he leave?!

  It was shocking to him how quickly everything had fallen apart. His encounter with Album the previous night left him unable to sleep as he repetitively ruminated on everything he could have done or said differently. Album had been so hurt, and as he recalled the broken look on her face, as well as her using his last name to refer to him, he found himself feeling sicker and more guilty than he ever had in his life. On top of that, there was no guarantee that what Album said before her departure was a lie. She may very well choose duty, which would mean she intended to tell the Masters and the King the truth about Abigail. Eventually, that panic led Ryokumo to leave his home not long after dawn as he rushed to the Citadel in the hopes of making contact with either Album or Ilirianna.

  In regards to the Princess, even though he rode to the royal levels and awaited somebody that could guide him to her quarters, nobody ever appeared. He simply had to pray that the five Iijis were taking a quiet day and that was why none of them ever left that level, so because Kloras would never escort him to the royal suite, he attempted to get contact with High Elder Solomon Orland, but the man’s staff refused to let them meet, insisting that Orland was too busy for an impromptu discussion. Nobody else had the ability to pass through the golden halls’ illusion charm, so Ryokumo was left without a means to reach Ilirianna. Speaking to Album was his next goal, but no matter how many times he knocked on her door, she never answered. He did not know if she was actually there, but eventually he went to the entertainment floor for lunch then returned to try again.

  He still had not found anybody when he ran into Sinna and Nyx.

  Ryokumo was terrified that something was going on, and that was why he couldn’t reach Ilirianna or Album, so he’d been about to go seek out one of the Masters. Yet, now he was propelling himself across the skies of Erika in a desperate search for Rennigan Glaus, his head snapping in all different directions as he attempted to spot the rare silver hair of his friend. Since he had failed to ask Nyx how long ago Rennigan left, he wasn’t sure whether he would have already reached a carriage or not, so Ryokumo visited the closest carriage stops to their home, wanting to make sure there wasn’t a sign of the young man. When he found nothing, he decided he would need to at least try their house, so he crossed the neighborhoods in a mere minute before dropping into their lawn, bursting through the front door, and shouting out,

  “Glaus, are you in here?!”

  He was breathing heavily as he stepped further inside and kicked the door closed behind him, listening with all his might for any indication that the house wasn’t empty. He opened his mouth to call out again, but paused when he heard the quiet sound of footsteps on the staircase, and before he knew it, Rennigan moved out of the hallway and entered the living room with an exasperated smile on his face.

  “Honestly, Caeli, there’s no getting anything past you, is there?”

  Ryokumo furrowed his brow, not quite grasping what his friend meant with that comment. “G-Glaus? Why on earth would you want to get this past me? I mean, Master Rana said you refused the apprenticeship—that you were leaving? Like, for good? Is that true? Please, tell me she was mistaken…”

  “Ah, I see… You ran into Master Rana,” the other man muttered under his breath. “I’m sorry, but she’s telling the truth.” Rennigan then patted the duffle bag hanging at his side that Ryokumo hadn’t noticed yet. “Yes, I’m leaving Erika for a while, though I don’t know where I’m going or for how long. I just need to get out.”

  “You…?” Ryokumo’s eyes went wide with disbelief. “Why?”

  Rennigan shrugged. “I can’t do it anymore. This city has become too much for me to handle, and I’ve reached the end of my rope. I need a change…a drastic one, so I’ve been giving it some thought and I decided this was the right thing to do.”

  “Oh is it now?” the wind mage snapped, anger and irritation creeping into his tone as he took a step forward. “So you’re going to leave me behind, are you? After all we’ve been through, you’re just gonna walk away?!”

  “I…” Rennigan’s shoulders slumped as a melancholic expression came over him. “That’s the hardest part of this… I don’t want to part ways with you, and if I thought you’d accept, I’d gladly ask you to come with me. It could be wonderful, I think, just traveling the countryside, seeing places we’ve never been and continuing our adventures together.” The water mage’s eyes turned distant, a longing smile on his face as he spoke. “It would be epic, but I’m no fool. You’re too attached to this city…or more specifically, to particular people in it to abandon it all for me. Am I wrong?”

  Every emotional part of Ryokumo wanted to insist that he was wrong, that he would gladly throw it all away in an instant for a chance at adventure and excitement, but he wasn’t able to do that. He loathed the fact that Rennigan was right, for as the face of Ilirianna flashed through his mind, he knew that when put in the position to pick between her and him, he would choose her.

  But why am I being put in this position?! Why must I choose?! Glaus or Liri? That’s not fucking fair! Especially not after what happened last night… I may have just lost Album, so am I going to lose Glaus, too? Is everything just crumbling right now?

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  “You’re crying, Caeli.”

  Ryokumo blinked with surprise, feeling the tears roll down his cheeks as he gazed back at the smiling Rennigan. “O-of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be? My best friend is leaving me, and I still don’t understand why. Was it…?” He hesitated, wondering if he should even mention his suspicions, before deciding that there was nothing left to lose. “Was it because of Cartus and Rana? Did they do something?”

  “They did not,” Rennigan answered instantly, surprising Ryokumo with his swift response. “I told you, I only shouted at Master Rana that day because I was agitated. She’s a wonderful person, so please don’t hold anything against her. She did her best for me, too.”

  “But then—”

  “I already told you, I just need a change,” the water mage interrupted. “Killing Tyrus didn’t fulfill me the way killing Vesh did for you. I don’t feel victorious. I don’t feel relieved. I feel nothing, so I’m going on a quest to feel something. I’m not sure where I’ll find it or what form it’ll take, but I’m going to leave it all to chance and see where I wind up. North, south, east, west, Ijiria or perhaps beyond… We’ll see…” Rennigan stuck his hands in the pockets of his suit. “Who would have thought, though, that you’d be the one I would miss the most. You were always such a nuisance… An obnoxious, irritating, menace. Yet, I owe you more than I can ever repay.”

  “You don’t owe me a thing,” he managed to reply without his voice trembling.

  But Rennigan shook his head. “That’s not true and you know it. You saved my life in Stellareid. Had you not arrived when you did, Tyrus would have killed me back then. What you said to me…I still remember it quite vividly. You wouldn’t let me throw myself back on Tyrus’s blade, you stood by my side when he tracked us down, you told me you wouldn’t let me die no matter what. Then, when it was all over, you postponed your plans to join the Korrei-Tarr to go hunting Tyrus by my side. You kept me company on those long, boring trips… You knew what to say and when I needed to hear it… Truly, I’d have lost my mind years ago if you weren’t there.”

  Ryokumo’s head was lowered, partly so he could keep hiding his tears even though Rennigan had already noticed them. “Then stay… I can’t help you if you don’t…”

  “I know… But you’ve helped me enough, Ryokumo.”

  He didn’t have an immediate response, his mouth open but failing to create words as Rennigan slowly crossed the gap between them and pulled him into a hug.

  “I don’t want to lose you,” he uttered. “Please… We can figure something out… You don’t need to leave out of the blue like this… I mean, is this it? Are we ever going to see each other again?”

  Rennigan chuckled softly. “Yes, I like to think so. Remember, no matter what I’ve ever done, you’ve always managed to find me. I highly doubt this will be any different. Someday, I’ll be minding my own business and I’ll hear in the distance, ‘Ah Glaus, there you are, my best friend’, in as annoying a tone as you can manage. I’m not lucky enough to be rid of you permanently, now am I?”

  “N-no, I don’t suppose you are,” Ryokumo whispered.

  “Exactly. This isn’t the end. It’s a temporary parting.” It was then that Rennigan released him, stepping back and regarding him with a wry expression. “Alright? So don’t die on me, you got that?”

  “Of course…”

  It was then that the two of them fell silent, so Ryokumo internally tried to find something else to say. If the conversation ended, it was likely that Rennigan would take that as a cue to depart, but he wanted to delay that as long as possible. The problem was that he was so tired and sleep-deprived that his brain wasn’t functioning at full capacity. He was overwhelmed by the looming dread of what Album might do, he was terrified of what might become of Abi and her family, and he was now faced with a future that wouldn’t include Rennigan. This man who had been at his side for so many years now was suddenly not going to be there anymore, and he wasn't sure how to handle that. That was why he couldn’t say anything fast enough.

  “This is goodbye then,” Rennigan said, placing a hand on Ryokumo’s shoulder. “Take care of yourself, and tell Ilirianna I’m sorry I couldn’t see her one last time. Album as well, if you don’t mind.”

  “R-right…”

  “And also, good luck with the Princess. I’ve been rooting for you all these years, so I hope one day I’ll hear through the grapevine that Ryokumo Caeli was crowned King of Ijiria beside her. I want that for you. You two are adorable together.”

  “T-thanks…”

  “Yes, well…” Rennigan released his shoulder and moved past him, making for the closed front door. “Goodbye, my friend.”

  The doorknob turned, indicating that the time had come, but at the very last second, Ryokumo managed to come up with something he wanted to say, so he spun around and called, “Rennigan! I regret nothing!”

  His friend paused, sparing a startled look over his shoulder back at Ryokumo. “I’m sorry?”

  “I regret nothing,” he repeated. “If forced to do it over again, I’d still reach out to you—I’d still try to help you. Even if we must part like this, I’m glad I abandoned the Korrei-Tarr to hunt Tyrus with you. That was the right choice, and I want you to know that. Goodbye, my friend. Until we meet again.”

  Rennigan’s smile returned, warmer than it had been before, as if that was exactly what he wanted to hear at that moment. “Yes. Until we meet again.”

  And then, he stepped through the doorway and was gone, leaving Ryokumo standing alone in his now empty house. Rennigan had departed for good, and though the wind mage knew he needed to get right back to handling the situation with Album, his feet did not move. Instead, he merely stood in that living room, staring at the closed door for an uncertain amount of time as he did his best to shut his brain off and not think about anything. At some point, the rain began to patter on the windows, indicating that their brief respite from the storm had ended, and with it, the world outside grew darker with the approaching night.

  He let out a weak sigh, forcing his feet to take him through the doorway as he stepped onto the path leading through their lawn with the full intention of returning to the Citadel, but before he was even halfway to the sidewalk, he noticed a carriage pull up alongside the curb just before one of the Masters of Ijiria stepped out and regarded him with a glare.

  “M-Master Taurus?” he stammered, his fight or flight instincts suddenly kicking in. “How can I help you?”

  Nakoma scoffed, reaching down to his belt to produce a set of magic-suppressing handcuffs, and even before the Master of Fire spoke, that single action was enough to leave Ryokumo feeling sick, for he understood exactly what was going on.

  “Ryokumo Caeli, you are hereby under arrest for acting as an accomplice in the breaking of the Oralian Isolation Act.”

  ***

  Leaving his home behind, Rennigan silently walked through the adjacent neighborhoods in the direction of the Market. From what he knew, there were some merchants who often allowed passengers on their carts should they be paid the proper amount of money, and since he wasn’t terribly keen on the idea of departing the city in a group, that was the route he was opting to take. Of course, if nobody was offering such an opportunity, then a public carriage would be better than nothing, but knowing the market the way he did, he was rather confident that he wouldn’t have any troubles.

  Well, as much as I tried to leave subtly, I’m honestly glad I got to say goodbye to him, Rennigan internally remarked. I wish I could have told him what he wanted to hear, but at the very least, I think he ended up accepting my wishes. And I meant what I said to him… We’ll see each other again, of that I’m certain.

  He wouldn’t go so far as to say he was at peace, for that wasn’t even close to true, but at least for that moment, he was satisfied with his decision. Perhaps he would come to regret it. Perhaps he was walking into a life even worse than the one he was leaving behind, but he simply believed that he was better off rolling the dice than remaining in his current world. It was far too much to bear, and even as he strolled down the streets of Erika, he couldn’t help shooting the occasional glances over his shoulder for any sign of Sinna Cartus or Nyx Rana trying to eliminate him and bury their secrets along with him. He had provided them the best cover story, after all, for if Sinna secretly killed him, they could tell Kloras and the Masters that he just wandered off as he said he would.

  Though, I don’t think Master Rana would want that. Nevertheless, the fact that I’m still scared tells me that I can’t remain here.

  He lowered his head, feeling the soft droplets of rain beginning to fall around him, and for his own peace of mind, he allowed his mana to merge with them just in case he needed to defend himself. However, he made it to the market without incident, and as he merged with the crowds of shoppers, many of whom were hurrying into nearby stores to get out of the increasingly heavy rainfall, he was able to convince himself that Sinna wouldn’t dare take him out in such a public space.

  Rennigan smiled softly as he came to a gradual stop, his mind’s eye recreating that paradise of a dream he witnessed while under the effects of the Elixir of Sweet Dreams. It was a day that never happened, but a day he would treasure until his existence came to an end. The sight of Faye, Hiro, and Jessi having the time of their lives with him at their side made him long for an era when they were still alive—when such a day was still possible.

  Hirokol Pafran.

  “I’m sorry for doubting you, and if that's what you want, then I’ll be open to it. Can’t speak for Faye and Jessi, but I’d be more than happy to get along with you.”

  Jessi Yuahl.

  “We’ve got a market to hurry off to, so let’s get going! And… Well… If you’re truly sorry, I want a hug!”

  Fayela Rio.

  “Live, Rennigan. At all costs, make sure you get home safely. Otherwise, we died for nothing. Otherwise, the Battle of Stellareid will have truly been a complete and utter defeat. So kill Tyrus then go on to live a long happy life. Get a job, get married and have kids if that’s what you want, and enjoy the world until death reunites us naturally. Okay? We’re not going anywhere, so we’ll wait for you as long as we have to. Can you promise me that?”

  He lowered his head, feeling his tears mixing with the raindrops as they rolled down his cheeks. I miss them so much…

  Even though he knew he should hurry before the rain halted all departures, the young man made a brief pitstop in a nearby shop, wanting to make a few more purchases before heading off into the surrounding wilderness. It was a foolish decision for more reasons than one, but nevertheless, when he approached one of the many merchant guild headquarters the market contained, his right hand was gripping a rather large bag containing his items.

  There was a docking bay for loading and unloading cargo onto merchant carts off to the left of the headquarters' main entrance, and to his relief, he found an older man checking the contents in his covered bed. He didn’t notice Rennigan’s approach since he was heavily engrossed in comparing the cargo to a manifest he was clutching, and not wanting to interrupt him, Rennigan remained quiet until the merchant gave a grunt of satisfaction only to turn around and come to a surprised stop upon seeing him standing there.

  “Er, can I help you?” the man growled, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

  Rennigan nodded. “Yes, Sir. I was wondering if I could pay you for a ride out of town. I’ve heard some merchants offer such services, so I just thought I’d check.”

  “That so?” The merchant clicked his tongue, the glimmer in his eyes telling Rennigan that he wasn’t just going to brush this request off. “Well, I’m never one to pass up on an opportunity for coin, but I’m unfortunately in a bit of a rush. Can’t afford any detours, so unless you’re heading north towards Harunhein, I can’t help ya.”

  “That’s perfectly fine,” Rennigan assured him. “I’m actually not heading anywhere in particular. I just want to get out of the city for a while, see more of the world and clear my mind. I’ll pay whatever you want, as well. Extra, if you don’t ask any prying questions.”

  “Hmm? You gonna be trouble?”

  “No, Sir.”

  At least I hope not, he added internally, never allowing himself to brush off the possibility of Sinna Cartus tracking him.

  “In addition,” Rennigan added when he feared the merchant may have noticed his hesitation. “I happen to be a rather skilled water mage. As such…” Raising his hand, he then chanted, “Pluvan.”

  The rainfall suddenly shifted its descent, bending in midair to warp around them, preventing them from getting wetter. The merchant's eyes grew wide, though whether it was at Rennigan’s revelation that he was a mage or at the opportunity for a drier trip, he wasn’t sure.

  “Very well,” the man stated with a soft chuckle. “You keep me dry, I’ll let ya ride for free. Once the rain’s over, it’s ten silvers a day and you pay for your own meals. Deal?”

  Rennigan smiled. “Deal.”

  “Then hop on! Time is money, my friend.”

  Following the merchant’s lead, Rennigan climbed into the spot beside him in the carriage’s front seats, then kept his focus on Pluvan as the other man flicked the reins and began taking them towards the northern gates. He settled in, mentally preparing himself for the days to come as he carefully set his bags on the floor between his feet.

  Hearing the sound of glass bottles clinking together, the merchant cocked an eyebrow, glanced down, then said, “Apologies if this is one of your prying questions, but what do you have in that bag of yours?”

  Rennigan furrowed his brow, pondering whether to tell the truth or not as he eyed the bottles of Elixirs through the barely open slit at the top, before he replied in a quiet tone,

  “Just something to help me sleep.”