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Rating:
Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warnings:
Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death
Categories:
F/MMulti
Fandoms:
転生したらスライムだった件 - 伏瀬 | Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken | That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime - FuseThe Beginning After the End - TurtleMe
Relationships:
Manas: Ciel/Rimuru TempestRimuru Tempest/VelzardManas: Ciel & Rimuru TempestRimuru Tempest & Velzard
Characters:
Rimuru TempestManas: Ciel (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)Velzard (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)Arthur LeywinJasmine FlamesworthTessia EralithCaera DenoirSeris (The Beginning After the End)Agrona VritraSylvia IndrathSylvie (The Beginning After the End)Varay Aurae
Additional Tags:
MagicAetherRomanceDramaPsychological TraumaTraumaThrillerIsekai and TransmigrationTime TravelTime ShenanigansReality BendingDeveloping RelationshipCharacter DeathCharacter DevelopmentAngstFluff and AngstCrossoverCrossovers & Fandom FusionsFate & DestinyFateAngst and TragedyTragedyFanfictionCross-Posted on WattpadBlood and ViolenceOriginal Character(s)
Language:
English
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Published:2024-12-19Updated:2025-03-18Words:107,665Chapters:20/?Comments:10Kudos:24Bookmarks:10Hits:2,552
A New Life [TbatexTensura]
Asuryii
Chapter 11: A Life In The Woods
Chapter Text
Chapter 11: A Life In The Woods
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Alice Leywin POV:
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Much has changed in my life over the last few years. The first change was my relationship with Reynolds, it was an unexpected but welcome addition to my life. The life of an adventurer can be quite dangerous and we expected a child, so the natural step was to retire.
Our home was small, it was by no means anything grand or filled with decadence. It was quaint, peaceful and homey. It was a nice small cottage where it seemed as if we were the only ones in the world. This is also part due to the town we reside in 'Ashber'. It's by no means a large town, its existence started as a small outpost near the northern edge of Sapin bordering the Elshire Forest and the Kingdom of Elenoir. Though eventually it turned into a small town mainly inhabited by retired adventurers or people who wanted to get away from the big cities.
I like my life as it is, and the addition of our son, Arthur. That added another light to my life- his birth heralded a change in my perspectives; somewhat. Being a mother is by no means an easy task, but it's beautiful. It's beautiful witnessing the growth of your own kin- of my son.
The moments I saw him laugh and smile, they all repeat in my mind endlessly. Each milestone he reaches marks a moment and stark realization that life passes quicker than one would expect. I do feel somewhat saddened seeing him grow up so fast, yet I also can't help but feel immense pride in seeing his development.
It's a thankless job, being a mother. Yet it's a job I'd not trade for anything in the world. To be a mother, and a wife. These titles are badges of honor I wear. Badges that mean more than anything to me, more than prestige, fame, acclaim, notoriety. They are titles I would give up anything to keep.
I love my family, and the life I live. Yet my family isn't only limited to Reynolds, and my son. We have Rimuru. I'd happily introduce Rimuru as my nephew- he's a sweet boy; he;s patient, kind, rational, and understanding. But he's been through a lot despite his life barely being in its first chapters.
We-the Twin Horns- found him coincidentally one day in the heart of the Beast Glades. He was drenched in blood, his eyes expressing an intricate tapestry of emotions. Each woven together in a jumbled mess but the most clear was a sense of loss and inherent madness. A child likely no older than 4, yet it seemed as if he saw the entire world as an inexcusable hellscape.
He was so young yet he'd already witnessed the horrors of the world- likely even more than he had told us. The first meeting with him was quite memorable. He seemed ready to fight us as we approached him. A child is supposed to be protected- a notion I understood inherently but now as a mother I truly understand- they are to be shielded from the dark secrets of the world and society until they can stand truly on their own feet. Yet here he was, aware and cautioned to those who should be protecting his innocence and sanctity.
As a parent I know the one line all parents share to their child- a line even teachers echo. 'Don't talk to strangers. But if you need help find a trusted adult.' Rimuru upon meeting us, despite the evident shock filling our faces, was on guard- he had no reason to trust any adults. No it would be better to say- he'd lost all trust in adults.
He ended up coming with us after a complicated situation and one of our party members Jasmine- the youngest. Adopted him, it was uncanny the resemblance they shared. Not only conveniently in appearance but in character and outlook. Jasmine became Rimuru's mother- an experience she told me was tiring yet rewarding. I hadn't understood what she meant truly until I had Art. After the adoption for Rimuru the Twin Horns became family- his aunts and uncles, it's why during missions he stays with Reynolds and I.
Being an adventurer is a dangerous job- it pays but it's not a safe job. Certainly not a job safe enough to let a child follow you around. Yet Rimuru is no ordinary kid- a notion all the Twin Horns would agree with. Due to that Jasmine has an unconventional method to raise Rimuru- her son.
It's nice having Rimuru with us, getting to see him and Art together is truly a precious thing. When I see them together I get to see my son light up like a lightbulb- he certainly enjoys Rimuru's company, it's like their brothers. Even when Art was unable to crawl, let alone formulate sentences Rimuru was reading to him; teaching him.
He was spending quality time with Art, and it seemed like Art was genuinely listening to Rimuru's lessons and the books he read to him. I'm quite glad that Art and Rimuru get along.
It's nice seeing Art have someone to look up to like an older brother into the future. But it's also nice to see Rimuru being an older brother- it feels like it was just the experience he needed added to his life.
The look in Rimuru's eyes when he saw Art for the first time was certainly something- shock, curiosity, and a desire to protect Art from the dark truths of the world. These feelings were expressed in his eyes, the subtle soft gaze filled with resolve his crimson red eyes fueled with an intense fire.
Time passes quickly. Writing in my Journal has become a daily habit I developed after Art's birth. At first it was so I could keep a record of Art's development and growth- memories. But now I also fill it with my thoughts and my hopes.
I still remember vividly– the utter look of defeat on Reynold's face as Art spoke his first word 'Mama'. It was truly a treat, but it was more than just from me being happy at Mama being his first word- it was also from being able to see his growth.
I saw him make his failed attempts at crawling before eventually speeding around the house; I saw him in awe as he looked in the mirror; I saw his baby babbles slowly become closer and closer to speech until he spoke for the first time; and I saw his first steps.
It's been 3 years since Art came into our life- since he breathed his first breath. Each day is a blessing. It doesn't matter if Art awakened as a mage to me. It didn't matter if he got married in the future. All that mattered to me was that he grew up happy.
Placing the quill onto the desk I closed my journal, finishing my entry for today. Getting up with a stretch I saw my husband outside in the front yard. I called out to him as I approached- Art was in the library with Rimuru as usual.
Yet I saw halted dead in my tracks as an explosion rang out from behind me- from the house, from where Art and Rimuru were. I turned on my heels getting ready to rush back to the house but Reynolds stopped me- shielding me from the debris that was sent in every direction. Our home was reduced to rubble.
"ART! RIMURU!" I screamed out, praying that they were safe- wishing on every star in the sky that they were in the backyard, that they were safe.
Reynolds released me as the dush began to settle. Without a second thought I ran towards where our house once stood. Reynolds followed after me a thin layer of mana coating his body. I ran into the debris field yelling out for my family. For the boys. I couldn't even begin to think of what I would do if I lost Art and Rimuru.
What would I say to Jasmine? What would I do? I searched through the rubble until the dust began to settle. Before I could see everything clearly a violet light and a white glow, almost like an incandescent light pierced through the clearing dust. The dust cleared as I saw who gave off the familiar violet light- Rimuru was standing covering his eyes with his arm, shielding them from the dust. His clothes were partly singed and tattered, a layer of dust caking his black hair turning making it look more ashen.
As I approached hastily he dropped his arm- it was burned down to the bone from his palm to his elbow. Small wooden splinters barely poking out of his skin. Reynolds found me and stood by my side seeing the same thing as I did, but before we took another step the white glow dissipated and touched down to the ground in front of Rimuru.
A smirk filled Rimuru's face despite the horror his arm was made into, trailing his gaze I saw Art. A satisfied smile on his face- a new air about him. "My son, he's a genius. He awakened as a mage." Reynolds, despite the fear, and worry filling his face, chuckled a bit, unable to hide his pride in his son.
I felt a lump in my chest, anxiety welling in me as memories I tried to push down began to resurface. I ignored it as I ran towards Art and Rimuru.
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Rimuru POV:
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"Couldn't you have warned me Art." I sighed before a small laugh escaped my lips, "That kind of hurt, ya know being near the epicenter of an awakening explosion." Straightening up I looked at my arm that I wasn't able to coat in aether quick enough.
The awakening blast was much more violent than I expected, seeing as it leveled the entire house. I had been teaching Art about the world, and its history since before he could crawl. Yet this idiot forgot- he forgot awakening causes an explosion from all the energy coalescing in your body.
Well not like the books told him that bit- I did. My own awakening was the reason I knew this. Despite the explosion happening a lot faster than I expected, I was at least able to turn my head away and shield the rest of my body.
I wasn't worried much about the wound, yet I can't help but groan at this turn of events. 'Time for a review lesson I suppose.' I began to pull up my arm to remove the splinters I clearly felt filling my arm so it could repair quicker but I was stopped as I was flipped around frantically and my arm was grabbed by Aunt Alice.
Her eyes were wet with tears and worry plagued her soft features. She was filled with fear and anxiety but she was trying to muster up the courage and strength to help me. I was aware this was likely a haunting sight to see.
A 7 year old with his arm incinerated down to the bone, but I wasn't bothered. I won't lie saying it hurt but it would heal. I did however feel bad for the anxiety and worry plaguing her. She began to draw mana from her core desperately- I was aware she was a rare Deviant mage with healing capabilities called an Emitter but from her demeanor it was clear she had an underlying trauma limiting her.
She was speaking, apologetically to me between sobs trying to reassure me that everything would be alright and she'd help fix this. I couldn't bear to see her like this and I could feel that sentiment was shared with Art and Uncle Reynolds.
I decided to let her do what she wanted for a moment. "This might hurt but be strong." She grabbed onto one of the large splinters after saying that. With an apologetic look she pulled the splinters out. Her vision was clearly blurred from the tears since she didn't notice me using aether to force some splinters out- "Aunt Alice don't worry. I'm fine. It's a flesh wound."
She looked at me scared as I wiggled my hand from her grip and held it up in a showing display. I turned looking at my arm- I knew what it looked like from sensations alone but it was indeed grotesque. "Reynolds, we need a doctor. He- he's in shock." She spoke as clearly as she could, stuttering somewhat.
"Aunt Alice go check on Art-" Aunt Alice opened her mouth to speak but I continued. Willing a small amount of aether from my core. In tandem with the small amount of Emitter mana she poured into my wound stopping the bleeding, I was able to let my Colorless Core siphon the mana and use it to attract atmospheric mana. "Look I'm fine."
A violet and verdant light manifested around my body, quickly coalescing around my arm. Using the meager mana with aether in tandem I was able to draw in atmospheric mana. An activation of my rune letting the mana cycle throughout my pathways linking the cores- changing its nature to suit my needs.
My arm rippled as snake-like meaty tendrils sprouted from my arm- a moment later weaving into intricate and unique-braid like formations. The tendrils of meaty red flesh began to wrap around each other in a predetermined manner. With each moment that passed, each second. My arm began to regenerate the missing parts. Red and blue vessels sprayed out of my arm like serpents before settling into my arm.
A hideous sound of sloshing filling the air, along with a sound like the sizzling of meat. Piece by piece my arm regenerated. Blood vessels, major arteries, mana-aether- channels and pathways, ligaments, muscles, and soon skin. "See everything is alright, just a flesh wound." The light dissipated as a new verdant aura was expressed in my colorless core and a glimpse of insight entered my mind. A realization, a connection. I pushed that aside as I reassured everyone I was fine and insisted after much effort that it was a time to celebrate. Not a time to be plagued with worries over spilled tea.
It took a few days but the Leywins- Aunt Alice and Uncle Reynolds- were able to move into a new home, the people of Ashber began clearing the land where their house once laid to build a new one. The news of Art awakening at such a young age shocked mom and the rest of the Horns, with Adam saying I'd fallen into Uncle Reynolds trap. Adam severely doubted that Art awakened, but hearing it from me directly a few weeks convinced him finally.
It was awkward since Uncle Reynolds and Aunt Alice left the Horns- none of them really know how to go about approaching each other. It's kind of funny that mom is the only one who has no issues meeting them despite being the most introverted among the party.
It's been almost 4 years since I awakened into this new era. I still think of her from time to time, just as I worry about the well-being of Velz and Ciel. I know I shouldn't let the past hold me back, I know she wouldn't want me to be shackled by her leaving. Azuray Moira, my birth mother, knows what I want to do- the path I intend to walk. I know what she'd say "Follow your heart, be happy, live as you please. Doesn't matter what path you walk, as long as you don't forget to enjoy the journey."
When I gaze up at the stars every night- my body unable to fall asleep. I can't help but think of her and imagine her watching me, looking over me. The ever present watchful gaze of the endless stars above- it fits her. Her name, nature, and wishes.
I've lost count how many times I've promised myself this- I will continue to promise it regardless- 'I will cherish this life of mine, but I can't- I can't forgive and forget the atrocities committed by those vile Asura. It's only right. That blood be paid with blood. Just as they massacred my people- people who merely wished to live peacefully and unbothered. I will return the favor.'
It might be cantankerous or absurd of me to think of such a thing but I don't care, I avenged my people in Tempest, I will do it again and again till the end of time.
I didn't get to bond with those people but I immediately fell in love with the Cavern of the Djinn. I fell in love with the people who would be my family. It's hypocritical of me in some way to abhor the actions of the Asura, but intend to return them. Yet hypocrisy is an aspect of humanity, a thing I may take pride in being able to experience once more.
Though it was quite fascinating- experiencing Aunt Alice's Emitter magic. It felt uncannily familiar and reminded me of the cavern. It reminded me of the Djinn and the warm aura my mother encased me in as she granted me artifacts and relics to help my growth.
It's nice to know, to know that the Djinn even if only distantly still passed on their legacy to protege. Yet I experienced a weird sensation as I siphoned the mana Aunt Alice used on me. A weird energy began to envelope my core, both my cores actually. The cycling of atmospheric mana, forcing it to take on the nature of Emitter magic enveloped both of my cores in a peculiar energy.
The Verdant light of Emitter magic filled the inside of my Colorless Core as mana was repurposed and transmuted but more than that. An energy foreign yet known to me surrounded my cores, the Colorless Core hungrily devoured the energy whereas my aether core erased it.
My Colorless Core was new potential, new magic, new energies where my aether core saw a plague. The Emitter Magic being produced in my core at that moment was used twice as fast as I expected. I frankly was taken aback by it.
The energy seeped into my seared arm assisting in the regeneration, adding in mana specialized in healing to expedite the process and strengthen my constitution. The emitter magic and my aetheric healing clearly altered the makeup of my right arm- it's much more sturdy and stronger than it was before. Both inside and outside.
The other reason my mana drained much faster than I expected was due to the orb in the center of my Colorless Core being chipped away at by the emitter type magic. The gift my mother left me was seen as an injury, but not by the aether which seemed to always move to repair my wounds.
The onyx colored fragment that looked like a piece of obsidian laid trapped inside the orb inlaid at the center of my Colorless Core. It bothers me that it wasn't seen as an injury until now…unless it never was, maybe the emission magic was an effective opposition to the orb and it was cracking it open. I could only theorize as my Colorless Core works in weird ways. No point in thinking about things I know nothing about, even now all I know about my core is through dumb luck and guess work.
Besides I have a more prevalent issue to contemplate over. How should I talk to Arthur? I know for a fact he's been reincarnated. I don't know his life before or what transpired that reincarnated him- partly because I don't want to know, not that I couldn't. Based on observations he seems happy with his new life, he's enjoying himself but it's clear he feels anxiety for a multitude of reasons.
He doesn't wear the gaze of someone who missed his old life, far from it. Instead he wears a gaze of one who feels they've wronged someone, or committed an inexcusable crime. But the only crime he could've committed is due to a mis..interpretation. He doesn't think he killed an unborn baby and took over his body does he~
"Fuck…" I couldn't help but groan at the realization. Arthur, whoever he once was, doesn't miss the life he lived, but he feels he doesn't deserve his new life due to him not understanding reincarnation.
I already could tell, Arthur was very intelligent. He was a well studied man, or just a good learner. I could feel a sense of relief but regret in his actions. He breathed an air that others don't. The life he lived wasn't one he enjoyed, but he clearly held a high status. These things were all easy to figure from the way he carried himself and acted.
He holds himself to a higher standard unintentionally– a standard likely he was thrown and forced into. Putting all this together with my natural understanding and recognition of people and their statuses. Arthur. In his past life was a World Leader of some form. His actions and demeanor make me think of a King, but he uses and knows terms that would only suit the modern world.
He, Arthur Leywin, in his past life was likely a King. A King in a modern world but not some preppy King, those haggard and experienced eyes tell me he was a warrior. So I surmise Arthur was thrust into the position of a War King, a role he didn't want but needed for some reason; this all took place in a modern world.
I don't want to make him expose himself if he doesn't want to, but I also don't want him thinking he doesn't deserve to live. If he reincarnated it was for a reason– the aether told me to ward him, to be his guardian. I can't see everything yet but I do know. Mana and aether seem drawn to him, but the aether is hesitant to approach currently.
It's clear his body is too weak, even my own body being a Djinn can't handle raw aether perfectly- partly due to my stature but also due to my body not yet being fully tempered. Beyond that Arthur doesn't have a vessel to contain or pull aether with. He doesn't even know it exists so he can't make requests of it.
I probably will get in trouble for sleeping on the roof again but I don't mind- it wouldn't be the first time. I don't need much sleep. My mind and body are constantly being refreshed with aether, but I think better on topics that toss morals after sleeping on it. I just have to look forward to tomorrow and think of how to help Arthur realize he needs to adjust his mind to his current stature. He's extremely uncomfortable in his own skin, but I can't talk. I had the advantage that my reincarnated life started with a body of shorter stature.
Closing my eyes I looked up to the sky, a smile crossing my face. Tomorrow the Twin Horns were to show up. The Lewyin's have decided to move to Xyrus, the floating city– constructed by my people. It will be nice to see the Horns again and my people's heritage.
"See you tomorrow mom. Talk soon Mother, rest well in the heavens and may your next life be blessed with prosperity." I fell asleep soon after sitting under the stars, the rising sun waking me- heralding the start of a new journey.
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Arthur Leywin POV:
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"Hey Rimuru, I was wondering. What do you think the earliest someone awakened?" Like any other day Rimuru and I were in the library, him leaving me with new lessons and teaching me different ways to look at things he taught me prior. Despite being able to read for years now I enjoy it when he reads to me. It could be that he doesn't treat me like a baby when he does it and it becomes a class.
"Humans, Elves, and Dwarves all generally awaken around the same age as their forefathers. Of course there are outliers like in everything but the earliest would be someone born with a core, an actual awakening I think the record was a little over 5 years of age. Why ask?" Looking up from the book he was reading, he always read a book which he'd teach me using the next day. 'Mysterious Artifacts of the Ancient Mages', an interesting title- a topic that Rimuru was quite educated on.
"Well I want to break that record." I flashed Rimuru a sly grin, a look of recognition and approval crossed his face. "Why not break it this year? You're certainly ready, just don't forget what I told you about awakening." A challenge. He was challenging me, it wasn't that he doubted I could do it- I think he was keenly aware of what I was doing while meditating. I was trying to expedite my awakening so I could experience magic sooner. He just didn't know how ready I was.
Without wasting a second I began to meditate, after a moment as my mind cleared I witnessed the massive ball of light in my mind- a few pieces waiting to be drawn into the center.
Eagerly I began to will the final pieces towards the sphere I'd created over the years with the other pieces of light that were floating around my mind space.
'Wait what lesson was he referring to again? Oh right th-' Just as the realization and the memory of the lesson he was referring to surfaced I'd finished drawing the lights together. Without warning, not even a moment later a surge of energy and warmth radiated from my sternum and rushed through my body. The massive burst of energy connecting me to an element of the world I'd been detached from. With the burst of energy came an explosion.
'He'll be fine…right?' I opened my eyes only to see my house completely leveled as I gracefully landed onto the ground. My awakening explosion was much larger than I'd expected.
'Oh shit', the realization hit me instantly. With how fast the explosion was Rimuru may have not had enough time to protect himself, looking towards where he was I saw him shielding his face. The arm covering his eyes burned down to the bone. His flesh bleeding from the various splinters riddling the cauterized wound. It was quite disgusting and grotesque but it wasn't the worst thing I'd seen.
I was quite perturbed nonetheless. I had caused harm to Rimuru, to someone who was like a brother to me. If anything he was my older brother. Yet I was thoughtless and caused him a severe injury but his face was contorted into a smirk. He wasn't bothered but proud.
I felt truthfully awful, despite the immense pain he was feeling he wasn't bothered- he just was proud.
My mother and father soon met up with us, his injuries clear to them and my awakening. My mom couldn't stop crying, she was able to calm herself- a look of self-blame filled her face. My dad approached me, reassuring me and praising me but we both clearly couldn't bear to see her in distress like this.
Yet Rimuru ended up handling this situation in a way no one could've expected. He wriggled from my mothers grip and his arm was enveloped in a practically divine violet light as his arm regenerated or regressed. It was such a weird process I couldn't say whether his arm was regenerating or regressing to a state before the explosion. It was also quite gross to witness despite how fascinating it was as well.
After awakening my mana core, many new elements were added into my life. My father began to train me, and Rimuru would later refine my understanding of my fathers lessons.
I was more in line with an Augmenter due to the way I comprehending magic and my experiences as King Grey. In this world mages exist in two types, Augmenters and Conjurers. Augmenters empower their body by channeling mana through their body strengthening it, Conjurers on the other hand bend the world around them to their will.
Augmenters use mana from their core mainly and Conjurers use mana from the atmosphere around them. My father is an Augmenter, my mother is a unique mage called a Deviant mage more specifically an Emitter. I had awakened just before my third birthday came around, and after my third birthday my mother and father began teaching me.
Teaching me to read and write, and to wield my mana. My mom knew I read with Rimuru, but I still played the genius son role and acted like I learned quickly. I couldn't bear to reveal I knew how to read and write, so I pretended I couldn't. Rimuru assisted me in this thankfully.
My father teaching me the basics of mana manipulation and mana cores, was a review for me in actuality. I think if it weren't for my adult-level comprehension skills, I would've been in quite a pickle. The lessons my dad gave were later added upon my Rimuru, a review and deeper dive into the intricacies of mana and mana manipulation.
He always had an extra level of insight beyond what was recorded in books, or told to me by my parents.
The days passed by quickly and my knowledge continually grew. I learned much from my father in practical lessons and then my practical lessons were made more impactful with Rimuru's advanced theory and expansion on the lessons I had with my dad.
It was awkward. I felt like I knew more than my dad, but Rimuru and I shared the sentiment. Theory is only theory until you put it into action. I would learn something from Rimuru but it was merely knowledge and information until I put it into action or tested the theory.
The number one thing Rimuru echoed and voiced in every lesson we had was a single sentiment, "A mage is not limited by anything but their own perspective. The wider or more specific your perspective is the more unique you are as a mage. The more you dive into the depths of your imagination and understanding, or challenge them. The more successful a mage you will be." The lesson was to not limit myself and to let my imagination run wild. He wanted me to know that no matter what he shares or teaches me this is in the end. Theory.
Whether I take to wielding mana understanding or opposing theory is my decision.
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After an interesting conversation with my parents it's been decided. We will be leaving Ashber and moving to the floating City Xyrus. Today is the day we start the trip to Xyrus, and as always Rimuru is nowhere to be seen.
Who am I kidding, he's on the fucking roof isn't he. With a sigh I ran outside of the house and partway into our yard, and lo and behold there he was- peacefully laying on the roof of the house. Was my brother, Rimuru. "C'mon Rimuru, shouldn't you be getting ready?" I waited a moment for his response, a moment after he sat up and jumped from the roof. Rolling on the ground and landing in front of me. "You should know Art, I'm always ready." Rimuru flashed a small bracelet on his left arm.
"You don't have to rub it in, Mr. Genius Artificer." Rolling my eyes I let out a sigh as Rimuru chuckled in response to my words. "Oh genius, prodigy mage. I am not Mr. Genius Artificer. I am Rimuru."
"And your jokes are as corny as ever." "Jokes? Whatever could your grace mean? I am but a humble man." Rimuru spoke in an exaggerated tone, as if he was playing the role of a humble jester who refused to admit he was a jester. Even tying it all together with a bow of reverence.
I grumbled in response to his actions- it was so corny. "Aisle 9 shoplifter. Someone stole the dad humor." Rimuru looked down at me directly in the eyes a stupid grin on his face, a moment later we both laughed wholeheartedly but the laugh was quickly stifled as my mother stood glaring at Rimuru from the doorway.
"Rimuru Moira Niscience Flamesworth, what did I say about sleeping on the roof…" I couldn't help but laugh even more at Rimuru as I ran inside, I called out to the world in a teasing and pleased voice "Rimurus in trouble!! OOOO!" I spoke it in a chant-like fashion and I swear as I entered the house I could hear him scoff, "I'll get you little shit." It was serious my mom called him by his full name after all but I wasn't bothered. Of course like the gentle and sweet lovable younger brother I was. I ignored it. 🗿
After about 30 minutes everything was ready and we all stood in the yard. Giving a single last glance at our humble abode. It wasn't much or long but I enjoyed living in Ashber, but I was excited to see more of the world. Especially after all the lessons Rimuru gave me, and the stories about the world he told me.
Frankly I was more excited about seeing the world than I was bothered about leaving my hometown, my birthplace. But I would never forget Ashber, it would forever be my home no matter the distance I moved. "So am I finally going to meet your mom Rimuru?" He responded with a small nod, a warm smile crossing his face. A glimmer flashed in his eyes as Rimuru looked out towards the edge of town, his smile widening. Without a word a Rimuru was gone with a violet flash, all that was left in his wake was a crackling tendril of violet light.
"He really must've missed her." My father commented seeing Rimuru run towards the edge of town where we were headed to meet my mom and dad's old party members. "Well it has been 6 months since they saw each other, that is the longest time they've spent apart." My father let out a dry laugh in response to my mothers words. "You're right about that, I'm just glad he and her get along so well." My mother nodded, sharing my father's thoughts.
Seeing the looks on their faces, I was curious more and more of Rimuru's origins and a tad more excited to meet the woman he spoke so reverently of, a woman who he said captured his respect and he could genuinely call family.
I knew that Rimuru was adopted but that's all my parents told me, and I despite my curiosities never pried into Rimuru's life. I wanted to respect his boundaries just as he respects mine.
After a short walk seeing Rimuru's footfalls- his traces- every so often we made it to the edge of town, where a carriage drawn by Skitters was and a group of people, Rimuru, stood in the center. I couldn't hear anything but I could tell he was laughing and smiling based on his expression from afar.
It was a nice change of pace- he always tended to lean more towards the serious side but at least he too with family was like this. After a minute or two we reached the group and I heard the most absurd question I've ever heard asked to someone nearly 8. "So you got a few girlfriends yet Rimuru?" I immediately decided to pretend I never heard that but Rimuru's response made it hard to ignore. "I certainly have more than you? After all, 0 is greater than -10 Uncle Adam."
I could tell this was going to be an extremely entertaining trip, and it hasn't even started yet.
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Ciel Denoir POV:
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It's clear to me now- Velzard and Rimuru. They're not in Alacrya. Without the knowledge of Highblood Denoir I had been shilling out requests to various information agencies. I hoped that the requests would at least be founded with good news or responses. But in return I got nothing- the same responses always plaguing the reports.
"There is no recorded person in Alacryian records under the names of Rimuru or Velzard. Both former and current."
It was quite disheartening and disappointing. I wanted to show off my twin to them both. I was certain she and Rimuru would get along and I see her and Velz appreciating each other's company. I quite honestly want to see my friend, the woman who became like my sister and my husband aside from making sure my little sister has actual friends.
It's quite a pain being a noble or well a 'Highblood'. Aside from the odd naming conventions the same issues plague high society everywhere it seems. At the very least my sister has a brain and knows- sincerity and bribery are different.
I'm honestly saddened that my sister can't truly make meaningful friendships, real friendships unbarred from the constraints of society and free from adult responsibilities. She feels content having me and our older step-brother Severn Denoir but I can tell she wishes she had companions like other kids from time to time.
She's a strong willed girl, she is by no means weak willed or meek. She also has our master- Seris Vritra, one of the Scythes of Alacya- representing Sehz Clar. But frankly I still don't fully trust that woman, she has a goal. A desire that she holds hidden in her heart, but the flames of that desire burn brilliantly in her eyes. Only someone blind would fail to notice her hunger.
She has a lofty goal, and a plan to achieve it. A plan she'll be executing for years to come. The only thing I can think of relates to the High Sovereign of Alacrya. I only make this connection due to the actions she's taken to hide Caera's horns and help me control my magic never reporting it to her superiors.
Something is making her defy the High Sovereign, she wants to hold Caera and I back and away from him. Seris is by no means an emotional person, or the type to hold deep attachments but she does take care of her own. It's well known that those displaying signs of Vritra blood awakening are sent to the capital, to the High Sovereign.
I only have 2 conclusions, Seris is attempting to rebel against the High Sovereign or she is jealous of Caera and I. Though I severely doubt the second idea. To the point that I am insulted for Seris that the thought crossed my mind. But rebellion while a lofty ambition seems too far with so little evidence. So the next logical guess would be she is protecting us. What? I don't know but I can surmise and guess.
Before I got too deep in my thoughts a knock came at my door, "Lady Ciel." It was Merial, my personal maid, "Yes, Merial?" Receiving my response she opened the door and bowed before relaying a message. "Scythe Seris requests your presence immediately."
I nodded and dismissed Merial outside so I could change into presentable attire. After a few minutes I exited the room wearing a basic pair black slacks, simple black boots, and a somewhat fancy button-up shirt. Without a question Merial guided me to the meeting room before dismissing herself to attend to her duties.
I knocked on the door excusing myself as I entered the meeting room. Without a word Scythe Seris used her eyes to gesture for me to sit across from her. I obliged and sat across from her patiently waiting for her to speak. Seris and I had a clear understanding of each other, I didn't want to waste her time or have her waste mine.
We sat in silence before she placed the cup in her hands onto the table. "You've caught the High Sovereign's attention, well inadvertently and indirectly. He still doesn't exactly know it was you who caught his attention." She spoke in a cryptic tone, without asking a question I knew what this was about. It was about the guilds I'd hired.
They lied to me, they had information but thankfully I was cautious to always use a pseudonym and a disguise when dealing with the guilds. So my appearance or likeness was never exposed. But Seris knowing doesn't surprise me. "Spying on me, aren't we." A rhetoric statement, I knew she was spying this was merely confirmation of that fact. "I am quite the cautious person."
Seris paused as she looked at me seriously before plopping a stack of papers she pulled from her dimensional storage ring onto the table before me. "This is the information you were supposed to get, Agrona, the High Sovereign controls the information guilds."
"I know, it was quite obvious. I always took to asking for disastrous information or stating nonsense when engaging with the guilds to know who sponsored and backed them." I quickly glanced over the stack of papers. The answers I wanted were so clear, but so unbelievable in one regard.
"Ciel tell me, why do you want to know about the Ancient Mages Lord, Rimuru? And a noble from Dicathen Velzard Aurae?" A turn of events I hadn't predicted, but I remained calm and composed keeping my expression unreadable.
"The names came to me in a dream, simple as that and nothing more."
"You certainly don't think I'm dumb enough to believe that?"
"You certainly don't think I don't know about your intent to betray Alacrya?" Seris went quiet after she heard my words it was only a split second that she didn't speak but I saw clearly. My confirmation.
"I wouldn't dare. I have no reason to."
We continued to speak back and forth in a cryptic manner trying to pry information from the other. But in the end it was truthfully just myself gaining information and Seris pressing me for how much I knew. This went on for around 30 minutes before Seris seemingly had enough of the tip-toeing around and spoke in a forthright manner.
"Align with me Ciel. You're clearly hiding something and I clearly have something you want and need. So align with me."
"I want information on Rimuru and Velzard. The two I saw in my visions." She motioned to the papers before me, the notes on Velzard were numerous but Rimuru only had 1. 1 Singular note.
'Retrieve the horn. He wouldn't die so easily.' The record was older than Alacrya- it was more of a diary log entry and mention than anything from how old it was.
Dozens of spies in Dicathen detailed and echoed the same statements about Velzard. But Rimuru had a single note. "The note was written by the High Sovereign himself. He's looking to trap you with this information and make you look into the Ancient mages more boldly. He's hoping you'll go for more information and he can find you."
I couldn't help but sigh as a thought came to my mind- a secret Seris spoke of in passing. A secret Vritra Art- an art of body manipulation. The ability to temporarily take over another being that was imprinted with a mana mark. This made my next question obvious before I agreed to work with Seris.
"Is that the horn of th-"
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3rd Person POV ~> Rimuru:
—---------------------------------------
The introduction to the Twin Horns went smoothly for Arthur, his politeness surprising them- mainly Adam who questioned if he was really Reynolds son due to how proper he was.
"Fellas, I want you all to meet my son Arthur. Go ahead and introduce yourself." A prideful grin filled Reynolds face as he urged Arthur to introduce himself to the Twin Horns- his former party.
With a small breath Arthur stepped forward bowing slightly and spoke, "Hello. My father and Rimuru have spoken quite fondly of you all. I've heard many great things. It's nice to finally meet you. Thank you for traveling with us to Xyrus. We will be in your capable hands."
The intro was more polite and proper than Adam expected, even given who his mother was. "Rey, are you sure this one's yours? He's too damn polite." A shiver ran down Adam's spine as he spoke, Jasmine staring daggers into him yet he continued. "He reminds me of our violet clad demon here." Rimuru and Art silently applauded Adam for having the balls to say that. It took guts but they both also gave a silent prayer. Adam wasn't going to have a nice night.
The vibe the Twin Horns gave off in Arthur's eyes was one of comfort and collective understanding- it was like they were a group of people in need of a family. One they found in each other- A found family. As soon as Arthur met the Twin Horns he felt at home.
It was clear the moment Art saw the Twin Horns who Rimuru's mother was. The resemblance was uncanny. The trained yet curious posture combined with a pair of analytical eyes, the warmth that filled the eyes of the girl and Rimuru as they talked, and well the unfathomably similar appearances. If you told Art this was his real mom, that Jasmine gave birth to Rimuru- he wouldn't question it, he'd believe you. If not for the fact that Rimuru and his parents themself told Arthur. Rimuru was indeed adopted.
Art aside from thoughts of the uncanny resemblance that Rimuru and Jasmine shared silently questioned, 'how old is she? She couldn't be older than 25. She honestly looks barely 20, maybe 21.' Arthur pushed the thoughts aside as a glare from knowing glare from Rimuru made him think Rimuru could read minds again.
'How've you been mom?' Over the years Rimuru and Jasmine had grown more comfortable with each other- Rimuru no longer had to think when calling her mom. It was a slow process but it helped that she and him decided to trust each other– the mind link also helped a good bit considering they could have silent conversations as if the whole world didn't matter anymore.
'I've been good, sorry I took so long. I-' Rimuru shook his head before leaning slightly into Jasmine's thigh as she sat on the wooden fence. She realized he didn't want an apology. Just wanted to see her again- knowing she was safe was fine and dandy but being with her was preferred. "I missed you Rimuru." Speaking out loud in a voice only loud enough for him to hear Jasmine expressed her feelings to Rimuru in the best way she could.
She missed being with her son- the life they lived on a cycle of her going out on a mission and later returning to take him on a trip- showing him the glades and the fruits of her labor. Living on the land and sleeping under the stars like they had the first day they met.
It was a special feeling and experience to both of them. Sleeping under the stars, in the center of the beast glades, a life in the wilds. At times she found herself wishing they could continue to live like that– traveling the glades and sleeping under the stars but it wasn't a safe life for a child. Even if that child was as resilient and strong as Rimuru- she knew, she knew for certain he could handle himself but she still couldn't bear to risk it.
The thought of him injured in an ambush or losing strength and dying to ravenous beasts horrified her. Even if she played into his curiosities she still had a limit that her heart could handle. But beyond that- she wanted him to also live a normal life. To make friends, find rivals, achieve and create goals, to grow with peers, and see the beauty of a childhood.
She didn't want to deprive him of that experience, even if he'd gladly run and live in the glades on the move with her without complaint.
She had taken this role, the role of a mother more seriously than anyone even herself expected. Well except Rimuru, he knew how earnest she was. Her gaze, it spoke leagues more than words ever could. No one doubted Jasmine's ability to raise a child but they worried that her lifestyle might affect Rimuru- yet she did everything to create an environment where he was happy. Where he could grow as he wanted and Jasmine would be able to support him.
"I missed you too mom", 5 words. A simple response to a statement that didn't require a response in return. But those 5 words, that seemed so simple, so bland. They meant everything to Jasmine, the words were sincere. Even after a few years it was hard to take in reality- the reality that she was a mother, at least in her own mind. Other's thought she took the role in stride without a second thought, but deep-down Jasmine still thought herself inadequate and unqualified.
She was an adventurer for 1, she was single, and she didn't have a happy family history. She was worried that these aspects would get in the way of her ability to raise Rimuru, to be a mother. But what she didn't know was- no one thought she adopted Rimuru, they all saw her as his mother. The way she cared for him and cherished him was something none expected from a single adoptive parent- it was a love that you only see in a mother and the child she births.
Jasmine was a mother through and through– the mental link between her and Rimuru was a blessing in disguise. It made communicating her thoughts easier. Sometimes she would struggle to speak, to get the words out and express herself but not having to say the words and merely think them. It made sharing easier, it made it easier for her to be vulnerable and for Rimuru in turn to reciprocate it.
Words tend to get stuck on your tongue, and in your throat, but when you don't have to stress about saying the words- when the words are said for you. It becomes easy, it becomes second nature. Not all words can truly be said properly so feeling someone's emotions directly and their touch in tandem makes it easy to understand those unspoken words.
Rimuru inherently is more accustomed to mental communication- to sharing his feelings through a mental link from the life he lived, so sharing a connection like this with Jasmine. A connection with his mom, it was special to him.
Many look at Rimuru and Jasmine with a single thought- 'this, this is family.' The two have never once fought, they've never had to argue, they both understand each other more than they could say.
A mother trusts her son, and a son trusts his mother. A notion and sentiment these two express more than any other. "Ready for a short life in the woods Leywins?" Helen looked towards the Leywins with a wide smile on her face. A nod was all it took and then, they were off. To Xyrus.
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"RIMURU!" A voice screamed out my name, it was desperate and pained. Her voice was filled with fear, worry, and a sense of failure. Even through blurred vision I could see her being prevented from leaping down the cliff after me. I hated it, I hated seeing her cry.
I never wanted to see her cry, I curled into a ball cradling and protecting the small figure in my arms. The winds tousled my hair, it was a surreal and comforting feeling but the ending- a crash was not an end I wished for. I gritted my teeth as a seething rage, an emotion beyond hate- an ancient ire intertwined with my very essence rose in my mind.
'Those vile creatures. Those hideous Asura.'
With my last bit of strength I sent a message towards Durden as he harnessed and willed a violet surge of mana into the cliff trying to create a hand to catch me and the child I shielded. 'Protect her, I hav-' His face was contorted with more emotion than I'd ever seen from him before. His face was filled with fear, like her.
My head was pounding violently to the point I could barely make head or tails of anything until everything went black. My message unfinished but my fury untamed.
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Chapter 11 End~8777 words
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