“Both.”
“Don’t think Uriel would appreciate it if I sent you back brown and crispy, though.”
“No, no he wouldn’t,” Sariel said, placing a hand against his face. “I’ve already got a bit of a tan and that’s without being outside much.”
If he hadn’t placed his hand there to compare, Sakura wouldn’t have noticed a difference. An angel’s tan brought out the golden hue of their skin, compared to darkening it like with a human. Whether that continued with a strong tan she had no idea, but it was interesting. Despite the tensions between angels and demons being less strained, she hadn’t seen a southern angel as of yet.
“I’ve not noticed any difference with your skin, though.”
Sakura stared at her exposed arms, seeing the familiar, subtle blue hue. Even as she turned her arms over, the colour was identical. No obvious differences, no. She offered him a shrug, then beckoned him to follow. Solomon had recruited Rin and Iliana had succeeded in locating Abel, so their little gathering was complete. They bid farewell to Dyn for now and headed out into the city. Their time in the South had been short, complex, and dangerous, but the place had grown on them. The heat was not something they would miss, even with the bite of winter beginning to engulf the Central Isles. Iliana was torn whether he preferred the constant summer, or the hot summer, freezing winter that came with the North. His body was intended to endure the cold, not the heat.
As they browsed the city, the locals greeted them with a familiar warmth. Their intentions to leave were met with sadness, but also understanding. The desire to return home was logical, even if they had made an impact here. Sakura was going to miss it here, along with all of its freedoms. Her wings had seen more use in a week than she ever did in the swamps, and her muscles felt good. She would have to find an excuse to go flying more often. They rounded off their good-byes, opting to watch the sunset for one last time.
When they returned, Sakura noted Dyn sat with Amnur, talking to his unconscious brother in a quiet, soft tone. He was sat too far away for her to hear and when she got close, he stopped. She patted him on the shoulder, enquiring if he was alright. The demon smiled in reply, ensuring her he was fine. Seeing that he was unwilling to talk further, Sakura bid him goodnight. Morning would bring answers, one way or another.
Chapter 36: Thoughts and Contemplation
“Rise and shine, sleepy,” Iliana said, knocking on the door. “The locals dropped off some presents for us.”
Sakura laid on the bed, squinting at the ceiling above. With a sigh, she shoved off the thin cover and answered the knock. Iliana thrust a set of clothes into her hands, running a hand through her messy hair now his hands were free.
“If the Raven hasn’t convinced Dyn, then so be it. Your father might have better luck, or he might change his mind himself.”
“Yeah, I know,” Sakura replied, giving him a weak smile. “I’d just rather be returning home with them both.”
Iliana leant forward and gave her a hug. She had him for family now too, even if he wasn’t being truthful with her. He knew he had to tell her about the North, but he didn’t want her to freak out. There would be an optimal time to tell her, he just had to find out when that was.
“The boat departs around mid-afternoon, so we have a few hours or so I was told.”
“That works for me. Mind sorting out the others for me? I’m going to take Abel and say my goodbyes to my father.”
“Sure thing. I’ll leave you to it, then.”
Sakura waved him off, shutting the door behind him. She changed into the new garments, stuffing her old ones into her rucksack. They were light, made from thin leather, intended to provide some defence while relieving her from the day’s heat. Ideal garments had she received them last week, but she wasn’t going to refuse their gifts. With a deep breath, she readied her mind. It was going to be a painful goodbye, even if she knew Amnur was in good hands.
As she stepped outside the door, Abel was stood waiting. Iliana had already roused him, it would seem. He too had new clothes, although the fact he was wearing them was a surprise. Abel had specific tastes when it came to clothes, and that usually boiled down to short, ragged, and natural. The new clothes were short if perhaps a bit regal. Detailed patterns lined the pale green cloth, motifs of leaves and flowers as Sakura studied it further. It fit the natural theme that Abel enjoyed.
Abel bowed to her, gesturing for her to take the lead. An early morning breeze washed over them as they made the short journey to the healing hall, greeting them with a pleasant cool. There was still no signs of Amnur having woken as they entered, but Dyn was sat at his side. Sakura waved to him as they neared, settling down alongside. He noticed their new clothes and chuckled.
“You got the gifts, then?” Dyn said.
“Your idea?” Sakura replied.
“They wanted to do something for you, so I suggested clothing. It was the easiest for us to work out without asking questions about what you liked.”
“I’ve not seen the others but I imagine they appreciated the gift, so thank you.”
Dyn smiled, turning his gaze back to Amnur. He stroked his brother’s hair, letting out a sigh. “I heard you’re leaving in a few hours?”
“That’s what Iliana said.”
“Better get you ready, then. The dock staff won’t like it if you’re late.”
His words told of his intention to stay, to Sakura’s disappointment. The Raven had not managed to convince him if he had indeed talked to him at all. Dyn wasn’t indicating if he had. She asked for a scrap of parchment, to write her father a note. He would want reassurance that they were safe, and her own handwriting was the best cure. One of the healers overheard, excusing herself to do it in lieu of Dyn. With ink in hand, Sakura wrote a brief but detailed note, leaving the Raven and Dyn to explain further. The healer took it off her once she had finished, promising her that it would be kept safe until Amnur woke. They expected him to rouse within the next few days, although as Solomon said, he needed rest.
“So, it’s come to an end, then?” Abel said, letting out a quiet whine as he shook his wings.
“You’re always welcome to come down and stretch your wings. Seeing a dragon awed people, so I doubt anyone would object.”
Abel grinned, keen to hear their acceptance. His qualms over demons fearing his dragon form were being alleviated bit by bit, though he knew not to push it. The North still were blind to his true nature, if Iliana could be trusted.
“That’s the second time Amnur’s missed seeing you as a dragon, he’s going to be jealous,” Sakura teased, making Abel chuckle. A cough grabbed their attention, emerging from Sariel who was stood in the far doorway. They had to leave now, in order to make it to the dock in time.
“They’re impatient to get going, wanting to travel at such a time to avoid the full heat of the day. Come along then, I’ll see you off,” Dyn said in reply to Sariel’s interruption. Sakura let out a sigh, knowing this meant leaving him behind. She had hope that he would change his mind, once he had thought on the situation. With a nod, she gave her sleeping father a kiss a final goodbye before leaving him in the capable hands of the healers. Dyn cracked a smile at the scene, placing a hand on her shoulder to lead her out.
Outside stood the others, all clad in new outfits. Despite only joining them yesterday, the locals had managed to muster a new outfit for Rin. Her story had moved them, a common tale among those that came to live here. Iliana glanced at Sakura and saw her subtle disappointment, knowing what it meant. There was little he could do to change the situation, though. He just had to accept it like she had to. Amnur had still to wake, he may be better at convincing his brother to leave.
“We’ll take good care of him, don’t worry,” the Raven said, emerging from the back of their soon to be escort. “I’m going to miss you, but I understand your desire to go home. Keep in mind what we discussed.”
“Likewise,” Sakura replied, offering the towering demon a handshake. He let out a
n amused snort, taking hold of the tiny hand and giving it a gentle shake. Iliana offered the same once she had finished, given that he had demanded a lot from the leader. His respect was appreciated and welcomed.
“Sebastian does have the means to contact me, so I’ll send him a message to confirm you got home safely. Hopefully, by that point, your father would’ve woken also.”
Sakura nodded. Solomon slipped in a comment that he’d ensure that the relay orb was in top condition for future contact. With the Raven sorted, she turned her attention to Dyn, who was stood waiting his turn. He gave her a knowing nod, before bending down and giving her a tight embrace.
“You take care, Sakura. The South’s always here for you,” Dyn whispered to her, trying for a touch of privacy despite the exposed situation. “And thank you, for closing this chapter for me.”
“It’s nice to know what happened after all these years, I know the family was something he always fretted about. Az and Lile didn’t treat him well, but he’ll get his answers now.”
“Yeah, I’ll mend that hole. Don’t you worry.”
Dyn patted her on the back and then stood up, having seen the silent signals from the waiting entourage. The others bid Dyn and the Raven farewell, thanking them for the hospitality. While the Raven didn’t suspect the siblings to act up, given Solomon’s suspicions, he had enlisted them an armed escort to see them to the docks. In lieu of that, they would be walking over. Flight made them vulnerable.
Once Sakura and the others had vanished from sight, the Raven let out a sigh. Dyn went to comfort him, but his source of discontent was not regarding their departure, rather Dyn’s lack of one.
“Is there a reason why you’re still here, as opposed to leaving with her? I know she asked you to go,” the Raven said, tilting his head as he observed Dyn.
“I can’t just leave.”
“Why not? There’s nothing that binds you here.”
Dyn stuttered, shaken by the Raven’s stern tone. He took a deep breath to calm himself, before continuing.
“I have friends, and now family. I have you, too.”
“The only family you have has either left for the Central Isles or will be leaving for them. Friends I can’t argue, but I don’t want you to feel you have to stay because of me. It wasn’t your fault I was blinded, I’ve been an enemy of theirs for many years.”
The story the Raven told them about losing his eyes was true, but it was not the full extent of it. It was the oldest siblings that had orchestrated the attack, though they were not acting on their volition. They wished to gain favour, to cement their position in lieu of the rumours. He got out alive and rescued Dyn in the process.
“I…” Dyn replied.
“You’ve suffered enough over the years, it’d do you good to start fresh. I’m capable of looking after myself. It’ll be a few hours before they reach the port on foot, so you have time to think. A lone demon in flight won’t attract attention.”
Dyn sipped the humid air, unsure how to respond. He excused himself, the thoughts welling up in his mind. It was a massive step to leave the South, to leave his home, but perhaps the Raven was right. There was nothing to say he was stuck in the Central Isles if he decided that life wasn’t for him, Amnur and Sakura may even be open to coming to the South instead. Compared to walking, flying down to the port was quick. There was time to think, and time to act.
Chapter 37: Dyn’s Choice
The walk toward the dock was solemn. It was nice to be returning home, but the diverse city had left an impression. Sakura was fighting with her sense of abandonment, her mind nagging her about leaving Amnur behind. Maelor was trying his best to reassure her, though he understood her issue. To be separated from him was an unknown, even if she had a greater support system than ever. The threat from Lilith also tore at her, as she suspected to have to deal with her mother before Amnur returned. Solomon had started to mumble about the heat, tossing glances at her to see if his commentary was working to distract her. It was having little effect, however.
They had been walking for a few hours now, with the guards telling them that they were near. There was a more direct route between the city and the port, although the trail was faint to keep it vague to the unaware. To those that knew the path, it was a much faster route than how they had selected to go the first time around. The guards heard a rustle, stopping the group dead. Blades were ready as the target approached, unsure who they had following them. A lone shadow dropped into the middle of the group and a few seconds later, the blades were sheathed.
“Dyn!” Sakura shouted a grin spread across her face.
“Is it too late to change my mind?”
“It’s never too late to make the right choice,” Iliana said, watching as Sakura charged up to Dyn.
“I take that as a no,” Dyn replied, laughing as she tackled him with a hug. “The Raven followed through on that promise to you, though I apologise for being such a hard-head that it had to go that far.”
“It’s fine, I’m just glad you came around. Better late than never,” Sakura stated, her attention being drawn to their escort. They were enjoying the scene, but they had to resume their walk. “We’ll talk more on the boat, yeah?”
Chapter 38: Emotions
Getting on the boat was surreal to Dyn, it left him wondering how Amnur felt all those years ago. He sat on the bow of the ship, staring out at the sprawl of the Free Lands below. They had arrived with time to spare which gave him some time to contemplate in silence. Sakura kept an eye on him from a distance, but if he were anything like his brother, alone time was appreciated. At least she knew he was safe, unlike her doubts with Amnur. A few moments later, Solomon joined her up on the deck.
“I managed to swindle us some extra beds, given we’re three heavier than before,” he said, turning his gaze to Dyn. “A lot for him to take in, I gather?”
“It’s hard to leave your life behind, regardless of the pain he experienced,” she replied. Solomon hesitated for a moment, before stretching out an arm and placing it on her shoulder. Sakura smiled at him.
“It’s nice to have more of your family around anyway, bad ones aside. Between you, you’ve spoken to me more than most people have in their entire lives. Ignoring Dumon in that, anyway.”
“Mages hold a level of respect for each other.” Sakura took hold of his hand, weaving her fingers into his. He tensed his fingers for a moment in shock, taking in a deep breath. “I imagine for them, you’re a breath of fresh air. You’re a nice guy, Solomon.”
Solomon blushed but held her hand tight. He knew his mind, and he knew Raz’iel. Dyn’s words to him were breaking down his resistance, along with Sakura’s warmth. There was no rush to decide his fate today, though. It was fine to enjoy it, for now. The boat began to shudder as it raised the anchor, its sails bathed in the gentle breeze that lapped the Southern port. It forced the two demons to stumble, with Solomon using his spare hand to grab a mast to balance them.
“There you lot are,” Iliana said, his voice becoming audible as the shuddering began to ease. “I need not state the obvious about the state of our trip, but the crew did warn that the sea has been stormy as of late. You should be alright to stay out tonight, though.”
“Ah, thanks for the heads up, Iliana. I can at least sit here until the South disappears from view,” Dyn stated, turning his gaze towards the source of the voice. Sakura used her free hand to wave, before pointing to Iliana behind her. “Oh?”
“What?” Sakura teased.
Dyn’s gaze settled on their joined hands, and then Iliana’s surprised but amused expression. He was not the only one to notice what was in front of him. “Nothing, nothing at all.”
“Dinner won’t be for a while due to the late departure, much to Sariel’s disappointment,” Iliana continued, finishing up the message he had to relay. Sakura snorted.
“That doesn’t surprise me. I should check on him, make sure he’s feeling alright now we’re moving away from the heat,” she said, gi
ving Solomon’s hand one final squeeze before breaking away. She gave them a wave, disappearing down the stairs that lay hidden before the door. As she went, Solomon let out a sigh.
“Sorry, Solomon. That wasn’t intended to break that up.”
“It’s fine, I know Sakura well enough to tell she wasn’t using your interruption as an excuse to leave,” Solomon said, his disappointment fading and being replaced with a smile. “She’s just compassionate. You simply reminded her to check in on Sariel.”
“It was nice while it lasted though, yeah?” Dyn interjected. The young mage found himself flustered at the brash statement, which caused Dyn to laugh. “It’s good to see you’re taking my advice.”
“Trying to set those two up?” Iliana remarked.
“I just told him not to throw it away over his fears.”
He felt trapped between the two older demons, even if Iliana’s tone was curious rather than aggressive. His emotions weren’t something he discussed often. To have them talking about him so blasé was embarrassing. Iliana tapped him on the shoulder, seeing his lack of reply.
“We’re not trying to tease you. If you like her, so be it. There’s no judgement here.”
Solomon was surprised by Iliana’s statement, enough that he started to relax. As his body freed from the tension, he felt words flowing out of his mouth. An explanation, it was always one with him. It felt good to tell them his feelings, and his fears. A few seconds after he finished his monologue, he felt Iliana fussing his hair.
“I’d have to agree with Dyn, don’t toss that away. No one said you two had to get together immediately or it’d never happen, so it’s fine to take your time.”
“You’re right, I just… I haven’t done this before. No one’s ever expressed any interest in me, not that way. I’ve always just been Raz’iel son to them.”
“Your father is a piece of work, I’ll say that. However, saying that, my mother is the same, so…”
Skies of Fyir Box Set Page 63
