"You found it," she said almost running to him and taking it from his hands. She clenched her fingers she held her dress tightly. The smile on Alaric did not fade. That same reassuring smile she saw on his face whenever she was lost. He was so good to her that she felt her heart warm up and swell.
She did not realize when he walked to her and even reached for her right hand. The hand was tightly clenched on her dress but his hand seemed to soften it as he raised it and even placing the communication device on her palm and folding her finger one by one on it.
Her eyes were still fixed on him not realizing his actions and it was only when he released her hand that she came back to her senses and was drawn from her thoughts. Looking at the communication device in her hand, she could not hide a smile that formed and her stiffened body loosened.
None of those there missed anything and the general let out an inaudible grunt. The atmosphere was somehow tense and Rey came in to save the day.
"Aiya, it appears that time to leave has approached. This is just a small parting and we shall be meeting again," he said as he turned to his brother and stood next to him. The air around them seemed to heat up and Rey's brother's hair appeared to glow.
"Make sure to have an adventure out there," Rey said as these were the last words he could speak for he knew what was coming next. His brother's hand rested on his shoulder and...
"Boom!"
It sounded as though an explosion rang out but in the next instant, it was only the wind that was blowing in all directions making their clothes flutter. The only proof that something was there.
They all had to close their eyes and especially, Aurora had to hold her dress so it would not be blown away. The general seeing this quickly dispersed the wind with a wave of his hand but it appeared it was sent in Alaric's direction instead.
Alaric scoffed as he opened his eyes. His hair fluttered behind him and the t-shirt stuck on his belly and was blown behind his back. One could think he would waver but other than the clothes following the wind, he stood tall, unbothered.
Aurora opened her eyes just in time when the wind was dispersed. She looked at Alaric whose hair had just rested.
"I guess this is goodbye then," she spoke softly.
"We shall be in touch. Just don't lose it again," he replied and she only nodded. Her eyes having hints of some guilt.
But her guilt instantly disappeared and her eyes popped out when she saw his next gesture. He had his arms open. Only a fool could not get his intentions. Did he not know shame? How could he ask her to do that before an adult.
Looking at him, she did not miss the look she had been receiving the whole morning. A look that reminded her of her promise. Just how great he was at taking advantage of her.
She could only walk slowly as she reached him and wrapped her hands on him as he hugged her back. She did not want to leave his embrace for she would be filled with embarrassment for that display. Little did she know about the sparks that were flying above her.
The general glared at Alaric who ignored his presence and even dared to ask the princess to hug him. His gaze was intimidating and had a warning in them. If he dared hug her back...
But Alaric ignored him and held her in his embrace tightly. He liked how she hid in his chest from the general. A smirk appeared as he gazed at the general who was on the verge of lashing out. Alaric knew that if he did not pull away, she would remain in his embrace until there was no one around.
Only he knew how brave she was. But everytime she was close to him, she was somehow shy. He cupped her face and pulled her to look at him. He did not miss the tight blush on her face and how her grip on him tightened.
He first glanced at the general and then lowered his head as he placed a kiss on her forehead in the process taking in her intoxicating scent. He then pushed her by the shoulders as she released him. Her eyes quickly shot to the ground.
"You should take care. I will expect to hear from you. A lot at that," Alaric said and she looked up and nodded.
The general appeared besides her as though fearing Alaric would do something else. He could not treat her the same way Rey was treated by his brother. He would have to take her back slowly and explain to her what her father had done.
He had received message of why the Fourth Prince had not come and he could not help but sigh at the hot bloodedness of the Fourth Prince that cost him ten years. Though the punishment was more of a chance to go back and cultivate. He was free in that mountain only that he would not leave it.
He created a blue dome around them and as he rose, the other knights all appeared as though they had camouflaged themselves. When Aurora saw this, she felt like burying herself but as a princess, she had to protect the face of the Royal Family and she held her head high.
Proudly dictating that that was the man she had chosen for herself. She glanced at Alaric and spoke in an elegant voice fully displaying the might of Royalty.
"Take care and let's meet soon," she said and Alaric nodded as the army all vanished.
He stood there in a trance. He knew the knights were there before for he could sense them with his soul. He felt like he was having a bad premonition. Something bad was going to happen. He could not help but feel reluctant that she left.
***
Alaric finally heaved and turned to leave. He threw all thoughts at the back of his head. Now that they were out of the way, there was no use thinking about them. He would have to focus on himself now.
He did not even see the headmaster who had appeared before him. He bumped into him and that was when his gaze cleared and he saw the headmaster.
"Apologies," he apologized as he stared at the headmaster's towering figure. He thought he was tall but the headmaster was taller. His head had just hit the headmaster's chest. This showed just how tall the headmaster was.
"Already missed her when she is not gone for more than a minute?" The headmaster asked teasingly.
"Those who are not around don't deserve to occupy our thoughts. We should focus on what actions we should do next not what happened or what will happen. When will we meet again? Just leave it to fate," Alaric replied and in his eyes, one could see the determination.
One would wonder what it was he was going to do during the holidays. It appeared he already had it planned out. The headmaster could not help but praise Alaric in his heart. That kind of mentality was not easy to come by.
Many would spend time think about others forgetting about themselves. Alaric was opposite and he focused on himself when he was alone. For the others, he would give them piece of his mind when they were around. One could think that he stopped caring but that was not the same.
Since he cared about them, he would have to be stonger so he would protect them. With his identity, it was only a matter of time before they came after him. And when they did not get to him, they would target those that he cared about. To stop that, he had to be stronger to eliminate all threats.
"That's some mentality you have there kid," the headmaster finally spoke. Alaric was silent as he waited for the headmaster to continue. Only he could not be shaken by the presence of the headmaster amongst those of his age-group.
"It appears that you are the only one left around. I know that the year has been tough but I hope that you dont blame me for my negligence," the headmaster started.
"Thqt would be too shameless of me. I can only blame it for my weakness," Alaric said with a defeated look but it was quickly replaced by a determined look. It was only then the headmaster realized the cause of Alaric's determined look.
"Only few of your age will call themselves weak with a cultivation that is in the middle stages of the Master Plane," the headmaster said expressing his thoughts.
First, he meant that Alaric was too strong for his current age. Secondly was that, that strength could rival some talents in the academy. He could only anticipate his future achievements. Third was to express his doubts to the source of sudden increase in his strength.
Alaric acted as though he did not realize it and instead showed shock that they had discovered his strength in Body Cultivation. No one even bothered to check the Body Cultivation of others for they were too few. He pretended to reply as calmly as he could.
"I don't know how but I think it was that person who helped us behind the scenes. He probably helped improve my Body Cultivation," Alaric gave the most logical answer he could pull out.
Some powerful being were known for their ability to help others improve their cultivation. The fact Alaric encountered one, it could be said to be a miracle and a one in a million chances.
The headmaster was suddenly hit by realization...