Chapter 160: 2.40 What’s Next?
Sasha and Levi woke up early and took a stroll through the Valencia castle together.
"I can’t believe your parents went out of their way to create this wing for us. I can’t imagine life outside of the mansion just yet," Levi said while they walked toward her parents’ wing of the castle.
"Me neither. It’s only day four without them and we’ll have a lot to do when they get back I’m sure." Sasha said as she walked in step, hand in hand with Levi.
"Speaking of... I want you to take me to Haven and I want to meet your family." She stopped and faced Levi, who was smiling.
"Sure. When do you want to go?"
"Today. I think we should let Jubelle bring Ox and Mindy to meet Dorian and Camilla and I’m sure your brother is sick of sitting around at the mansion with Ignis and Leila."
"Ok, is that why you were so insistent upon going to see your parents this morning?" Levi laughed.
"Yes it was. Also, did you notice we have a new party member? How the heck did that happen?" Sasha asked, rolling her eyes.
"Sora probably made a seal while he was asleep. Another companion as well, but apparently they have magical capability. It makes me wonder how much is out there we just don’t know." Levi said while shrugging his shoulders.
*****
Shawn was amazed that Lucious, then Sera, teleported to say hello and introduce themselves. They apologized for being away but they didn’t want to risk teleporting their newborn.
"Hello, did anyone miss us?" Faye asked as her and Aegir walked into the living area.
"We brought pictures!" She boasted.
Everyone sat around and admired the pictures of the newborn elf and how happy everyone in MeadowSong looked.
"There’s Chimeras there too? That’s awesome!" Shawn exclaimed. He was still getting his head wrapped around the idea of all the different types of people in his party.
"Hey Faye!" Sasha said as her and Levi appeared in the living area.
"I guess it’s almost like a mini reunion day!" Levi boasted as he gave Aegit a fist bump.
"Congrats on becoming Aunt and Uncle. The little guy looks so handsome!" He said proudly.
"Woah, what are you two doing back from the settlement so soon? Shouldn’t you still be celebrating your engagement?" Jubelle asked shyly.
"It’s your turn Jubelle. Stop shying away from showing off your amazing daughter and husband to the settlement. Everyone’s asking how you are and where you’ve been." Sasha said cheerfully, with a hint of sass.
"You’re right. I’ve been sitting in this mansion too long anyway. Ox, Mindy, are you two ready?"
"Yeah!" Mindy cheered. "I can’t wait to see Grandpa Dorian and Grandma Camilla. They’re so awesome."
Ox smiled and grabbed Jubelle’s hand. Mindy jumped on Ox’s back and yelled, "See ya later!" and they were off.
"Well, how was your trip to the settlement Levi?" Lionel asked, hugging his brother.
"Good, but we aren’t staying. We wanted to meet Shawn and Kory and now that we’ve done that, you’ll be joining us on our trip to Haven." Levi said enthusiastically.
"Wait... we can’t teleport there, though." Lionel pleaded.
"It’s a 30 minute car ride at most. You’ve seen the garage. I’m sure we’ll pick out something that will be comfortable enough for the three of us." Sasha said, pulling Lionel and Levi toward the garage.
Jonathan sat in amazement. "Do you all just assume I’m going to just hang out here doing nothing?"
"What’s stopping you going anywhere?" Ignis laughed. "It’s not like this place couldn’t be left empty and it seems like Rissa, Julius and Celeste are a little burned out anyway."
Leila snuggled up next to Ignis and his flames. "He’s right Johnathan! If you want to go do something, go out there and do it! There’s plenty of people that are left here that will go somewhere with you. Where were you thinking of heading?"
"I don’t know, actually. I was just being a smart ass. I don’t want to go to Prosperia right now. I am enjoying this downtime and it’s not like there isn’t anything to do in this mansion." Jonathan said while running his hand through his beard.
"Hey Shawn, do you think you could teach me more about your water magic and Kory’s magic?"
"Sure! You want to head to that dojo thing or whatever? I swear, this house isn’t really a house... it’s a city to get lost in."
Kory rolled his eyes and repositioned himself on Shawn’s head and meowed.
"He looks bored." Ignis teased.
"Don’t let him fool ya! You piss him off, he’s going to lion-out on ya and start reflecting all your magic–"
Shawn was interrupted by Kory swatting his face.
"Don’t give all our secrets away numbskull!"
"Remember when we agreed to the party conditions I told you about... that section that showed everyone’s magic, including ours!" Shawn reminded his furry little friend.
"Oh, right... Sorry. Not used to working with a bunch of people. Shouldn’t we get one of them to go track down a mage or something? We have a ton of ships."
"That’s not a bad idea, I just don’t think today’s a good idea. Maybe next week or when Sora gets back or something."
Connor laughed. "Seems like they’re having a good discussion. It’s good to have other humans around Johnathan. I think we’ll join you in the dojo. Maybe Koda and I can learn a thing or too. Aren’t you the heir to your parents throne? You must be quite skilled."
Celeste appeared and apologized to Faye and Aegir about not coming down sooner.
"You look really tired Celeste, are you sure you’re ok?" Faye asked, gently casting some elven magic to try and restore Celeste.
"That feels good," Celeste admitted. "Jet-lagged or whatever Shawn called it. Eerth isn’t on the same time cycle as Exteria so I’m sure that’s why Julius and Rissa are hiding out in their room as well."
"Oh, I see. We’re well rested because of the extended time we got to relax in MeadowSong. I wonder how Sora, Brie and Xander are doing up in Paradise?" Faye asked Celeste.
"Oh! So they’re in Paradise. That makes sense. Why are they up there anyway?" Shawn asked curiously.
"It’s a long story..." Ignis admitted.
"I guess I could tell you while you train. Leila, care to join me?" Ignis smiled as he kissed her on the cheek.
"Lead the way."
*****
Lionel, Levi and Sasha finally pulled up to the Steele castle in Haven.
"Home sweet home," Lionel said as he opened the door to the car. Levi held the door for Sasha, and held her hand as they approached the castle.
"My sons! Welcome home and Sasha, you look so lovely. We heard about the engagement, congratulations. We couldn’t be more happy for you!" Levi’s Mother shouted proudly.
"You’ve come at the perfect time! There’s a new prophecy!" Levi’s Father said proudly.
"A new prophecy? How can that be? Aren’t the Lockhearts in Paradise? How could anything have changed?" Levi asked, as a concerned look appeared on Sasha’s face.
"Brie promised me there was nothing to worry about. She wouldn’t lie to me, would she?" Sasha asked Levi.
"Of course she wouldn’t lie to you Sasha!" Levi’s Father said cheerfully. "This new prophecy exists not because of your party’s actions, but because of the actions of the Fallen!"
"What are they up to besides no good?" Lionel asked.
"You shall see, please, come inside." Mrs. Steele said as she held the door open for the three.
Comments