The 1.000 year Great Sage ---> COMPLETED STORY

At dinner, Seya was eating near his friends. When they were almost finishing, Myko arrived with Scholar Muryu and Professor Albeyrt.

- Sir, they were in your Library but when they heard Gaya's announcement about this evening show, they asked to attend.

- That's fine by me. You can see up close how my newest equipment can be used. They are just another example of Magic and Science working together and I'm sure you two will find them very interesting. Maybe those examples give you an idea for your future works. Or not, I don't really care, actually.

They were both puzzled by Seya's words and Heiji was looking at them with a menacing index finger running along her own throat. They understood immediately what she meant by that. It was in their own interest to watch and learn everything that they could, as Seya warned them. They immediately nodded their heads.

…

In the Meeting Cave, Seya and his friends were already seated near Scholar Muryu and Professor Albeyrt, that were looking very closely at the Camera that Erza was pointing to the open space down the balcony where they were. A pedestal with Seya's Microphone was in place and Miriam was going towards it. She bowed to the crowd and waited for the group of Geisha that were going to act as her orchestra, to take their places. A few moments to do the final testing of each instrument and Miriam made a light bow to Erza as a signal for her to start recording with the camera, as they agreed upon earlier.

The music started and Miriam began by pressing the Crystal at the top of the Microphone. Her melodious voice filled the Cave. Erza had some difficulty to hold the Camera steady while tears were rushing down her face. She didn't understand why, but that voice and that song touched her deeply. As Erza looked around through the Camera, she saw many wet faces like hers, moved by that voice and song, as she was. Miriam's voice runs along Gaya's walls, resonating through it, reaching the Control Room were Aku Kiro was, reaching the Hill at the back where Talya's friends were, and making the group of Dwarfs stopping their work at the deepest cave, to hear it. In a nearby room, Cacofonix was drinking warm tea, to heat up his voice and he too stopped, to hear. He put down his cup, got up, and went out of his room, following the sound of that hypnotizing voice. When he reached the entrance of the Meeting Cave, he stood there, leaned against a wall with his eyes closed, just listening Miriam singing. After so much success and practice over the past years, he quickly understood that near that woman, he was a mere boy, scratching with his fingernails a school board.

Miriam and her group performed for two hours. Some songs made the crow join her because they were well known throughout the world. Songs of ancient times, when Humans and BeastKind fought together, against a great dark evil that threatened them all. Seya thought it was appropriate, considering what they were facing in a few days. While he was still lost in his thoughts, the crowd was clapping. Miriam bowed and she made a smile to her group. A new song started, a very happy and well-known song. Seya was pulled back from his daydreaming when he heard his father's name all around. He was puzzled and he became even more when he heard the lyrics.

- 'Rolland, Rolland, you damn thorn! The Empire wants your head, but all the slaves are happy because you were born!'

He remembered what Miriam told him, that there were many songs about his father deeds along the former Empire. And considering the happy voices all around, that song was one of the most famous. Seya joined the choir, singing along the catchy chorus. His friends joined him, dragged along by his contagious enthusiasm. When the song ended, Miriam made a deep bow towards the crowd. While the crowd was clapping, she waved. That was the signal for Erza to change the Crystal inside her Camera and for Myra to change the one inside the Microphone because that show ended and the next one was going to begin. As soon as Erza finished and when she was looking through it again and waiting for Cacofonix to press the recording Crystal, Cacofonix went to the Microphone. When the crowd recognized him, they clapped and whistled, to welcome him. He just stood there, in silence. When everyone stopped clapping, intrigued by his silence, he spoke.

- After such a demonstration of how to sing, I don't deserve to be the main event. That woman was the star, I'm just the finisher. So, allow me to entertain you because she already demonstrated how a true performer does things!

His musicians quickly went to their place, Cacofonix made a simple bow as a signal to Erza and he began, after pressing the Crystal on the top of the Microphone. During the following two hours, Cacofonix put his very soul into his music. Years would pass and that performance would be surely seen by many, as his best one. Myra and Erza recorded it, for future generations to enjoy, long after Cacofonix time. Seya remained in silence, hearing the songs. His friends sang along, the crowd joined the chorus while Seya remained seated, smiling. Has he had thought, Miriam was indeed an inspiration, even for other singers.

When Cacofonix finished, he was sweating, dead tired but with a smile on his face. The crowd was standing and clapping. Cacofonix made a deep bow and he waved at Erza. That was the signal for her to stop recording and he pressed again the Crystal on the Microphone. While the crowd was still clapping, Cacofonix went to the exit of the main hallway where Miriam was standing, hearing his songs. He returned to the centre of the Meeting Room and Miriam was holding his arm. Cacofonix joined the crowd, clapping towards Miriam. She stood there, looking awkward, without knowing what to do. He offered his arm again and together, they bowed to the crowd. Then, they turned towards Seya and bowed to him. After waving one last time to the crowd, they left. The crowd was still ecstatic, and a lot of talks could be heard coming from everywhere, together with some muffled girl's screams. Seya got up and went to Erza, to get the Crystal inside the Camera. Myra was already next to her, with the two Crystals of the Microphone. They gave the four Crystals to Seya and followed him to his Laboratory. Ryn and Lionelia stood at his side, grabbing one of his arms each. Princess Heiji was all smiles, walking behind them while holding hands with John. The others were talking about the show, while they were walking. Every time they crossed paths with someone, a lot of happy smiles watched Seya walking alongside his two girlfriends.

When they entered the Laboratory, Seya tested the two Crystals in the Gramophone. He also tested the volume increase, by touching in sequence five small Crystals near the hole where the Sound Crystal was placed. After that, he tested the Crystals on the Television. Increasing the sound on the five small Crystals confirmed that everything was working perfectly. Seya winked one eye towards Lionelia and he placed the Crystal with Aria's song in the Gramophone. Lionelia was opening her mouth, while Aria's voice was coming from the tuba.

- I know this song… My mother used to sing it to me! It's one of my oldest memories, with her! I was so little when she sang this…

Lionelia tried to keep her face clean, but the tears didn't stop falling. Ryn was smiling, hearing the song in silence. Hina was puzzled, she knew that voice.

- Seya, who is singing? I think I know this voice, but…

- It's little Aria. She helped me with testing this equipment. I was also surprised, her singing voice is something else.

Scholar Muryu was looking closely at the Gramophone, while the song was still playing. Professor Albeyrt was near him, trying to understand how it was possible for the sound to come from the Crystal and out from the tuba. He was so puzzled that Seya holds his laughter.

- I know, Professor, it looks impossible, right? Don't worry, there's a mechanical way for doing this, it's described in one of the books that are in my Library. As for the Camera and the Television, it's more difficult, because for that it's needed electricity and electronics. Maybe in a few years, you or your colleagues get there. Until then, Light Magic can be used for this.

- I see… but I see a problem with this, there is only one copy of each Crystal, right? How can we make more? Because I think that these equipment are prototypes and Milord is going to make more, but what about the Crystals?

Seya smiled and placed every Crystal on top of one empty table.

- That's quite easy, actually. Gaya, can you copy these Crystals? Make one hundred copies of each one, ok?

- …||… Yes, Father. But that table is small for so many Crystals! …||…

- You are right, make five piles in that corner of the Laboratory, ok?

- …||… Ok, it will just take an instant, Father! …||…

Professor Albeyrt looked to the corner that Seya was pointing and before his eyes, five small dots of light appeared. They spread and when the light diminished, five piles of Light Crystals were there. Seya went there and grabbed one, placed on the Television, and Miriam's show started.

Professor Albeyrt was opening his eyes while Scholar Muryu fell to his knees while mumbling.

- No way… in just a few instants…

Seya took the Crystal from the television and one with the voice of Cacofonix and gave it to Myra.

- Here, homework for you. Make a Magical Program on a Big Crystal that can copy what's in these Light Crystals, to more Crystals. Why are you making that weird face? Do I have to remember you what you did so far? You can take as much time as you like because if Erza starts to receive orders from customers, Gaya can copy the Crystals until you finish. But I must warn you, for every Crystal that Gaya makes because you were slow, I'm going to slap your butt for each one, with my sword. So, it's in your best interest to do it as fast as you can.

Myra smiled, only to swallow her smile, because under that message there was a weird tone, like if he was rooting for her to get more time than needed. She grabbed Erza's hand and rushed out of the Laboratory.

- Let's go, he really wants to slap my butt!

Everyone was surprised for a while, but then, Heiji burst in laughter.

- Ahahahah! You scared her! Ahahahah! I bet she will finish your homework by tomorrow morning!

That was the end for everyone, they joined her, laughing non-stop. Seya was the only one that remained in silence, looking at the Television. After a while, Ryn noticed where he was looking. She was puzzled and went near him.

- What's the matter? You have a strange look in your face.

Seya forced a smile.

- Nothing, it was only an old memory from a long time ago. I used to love watching Television, to follow my favourite series and movies…

Ryn was puzzled.

- But… didn't you make this today? What are you…

Seya placed a finger on her lips.

- This is one more story that I will tell you when we get old. Ok?

- Ok… I guess… if any of us survives that crazy plan of yours, I mean…

Seya forced a smile. He was also worried, but for morale sake, he would hide it from everyone.

…

Later that evening, Seya was writing some notes in his room, trying to figure out what could be the best plan for attacking the Demonoid Island. He had already discarded piles and piles of notes, that were thrown to a corner. Then, someone knocked on the door.

- Weird… if it was Ryn or Lionelia, they normally don't knock… Wait a minute, I'm going! There's no need to break the door!

He opened the door and for his surprise, Erza, Myra, Ryn, and Lionelia were at his door. He frowned, annoyed by that interruption at such a crucial time.

- It's you guys… It couldn't wait for tomorrow morning? What's so urgent that you were almost knocking down my door?

Ryn poked his chest.

- You took long enough! We were knocking for ages! Where you sleeping or what?

- No, just making some plans. Well, come in already.

They went straight to the chairs that were around the table near a wall. Myra and Erza looked nervous, they were avoiding Seya's gaze and that puzzled him even more. Ryn and Lionelia on the other side of the table were all red.

- That's a first, all of you so nervous near me… So, what's the matter?

Myra was looking down, but she still mustered the courage to speak.

- We… me and Erza, I mean… One of these days, we were talking… Argh, there's no easy way to say this, it's so embarrassing!

Seya rolled up his eyes.

- Yeah, you didn't seem to matter that, when you laugh your heart out every time Arys mocks me!

- Yeah… Well... We were wondering… is there a way for a woman to get pregnant without having to… with a man… you understand?

Seya raised one eyebrow.

- What? Without a man and a woman having a physical interaction for procreation purposes? Or do you prefer if I call things by their name?

- No! That explanation is… perfect, actually…

Seya was thinking and he looked to Ryn and Lionelia, they were becoming redder by the minute.

- I guess you and Erza were talking about babies and one of you doesn't like the idea of being with a man to make a baby, correct?

Erza nodded.

- Yeah… it's kind of… disgusting… for me… Myra doesn't seem to matter, being with a man… but for me…

Seya nodded, he could almost guess what that conversation was leading to.

- So, you were talking about babies. That's ok, I guess. That also means that you already choose a man to be the father. Like the Fairies and the Mermaids. So, do you want to tell me who he is?

Myra was looking down again but she took a deep breath and faced Seya.

- I was thinking about you or Null Denar'an. But I could never ask him that, Xenya scares me!

Seya smiled, it was as he thought. He then turned to Ryn and Lionelia.

- And what about you two? This proposal doesn't annoy you?

Ryn shook her head.

- No, not really… but it's a little awkward, I guess. And we were both wondering about the same thing, because of what Aria said on your birthday, to give Attina and Talya a baby. One thing leads to another, and recently Aria and Queen Rohan told us that we should get pregnant so that this world could benefit from your offspring. They could be amazing with Magic like you or have new ideas for brand new creations. So, we were talking about that, lately. It… sounds like a good idea…

Seya crossed his fingers over the table.

- I see… Well, tough luck. Sorry Ryn and Lionelia, but I refuse. As for Myra and Erza, I already have something prepared for you. I did it because of Attina, actually, but I made a few more of those things.

Ryn and Lionelia were surprised. They looked at each other and then at Seya. Lionelia looked like she was about to explode.

- You refuse? How dare you, you piece of…

Seya placed one finger on top of Lionelia's lips.

- I refuse, for now. We have more important things to think about. We may not even survive and you want to get pregnant?

- Of course! At least like that, we could get something to remember you by!

Seya smiled.

- My dear Lionelia, you don't need a baby to help you remember me, right? But don't worry, I will make preparations for that, before the battle. With me or with my equipment, you will get a baby.

Ryn had to do a lot of effort to not scream.

- And how are you going to do that, by the way?

Seya opened his Compressed Dimension and from there, he took five wooden syringes.

- With these. I made it to be used with Attina, without having to be with her. It's not that I despise her or something like that, it's just that I don't like being used as a breeding horse.

Myra was looking at one and Erza was pushing and pulling the piston of another, trying to figure out how that could be used. Ryn took the piston out from another syringe and was looking to the inside, she noticed there was a small hole at the tip of the syringe.

- Weird… there's a hole in this. You can use this to make a baby? How?

Seya rolled up his eyes, smiling.

- Do I need to do a drawing for this? Didn't you girls learned in school how babies are made? Or from your mothers?

Ryn picked up the syringe and pointed at Seya with it.

- My mother never told me anything about these things! Explain yourself instead of mocking us!

Seya took a deep breath.

- Ok, but this is embarrassing… So, a man has many seeds that come from down here… get it?

Ryn snorted.

- We all know that! We are not that innocent!

Seya opened a syringe by pulling out the piston.

- Ok, so if a man puts his liquid in here and then put this piston in place, a woman can get pregnant without the need to have a disgusting night with a man, as Erza said. The woman gets this syringe full, lays on a bed, put this inside her and push this piston. The liquid goes inside her and with enough luck, or in this World's case, a lot of prayers, she can get pregnant. Get it now?

Ryn was looking at the syringe, with a serious look on her face.

- I see… but… how did you think about this?

- Well, there's a book in my Library that I once read. It explains this in even more detail. This could be done in a more scientific way, unfortunately, with the technology that exists in this world, it's impossible to do it. But this works. I already tested one of these, some years ago, when I was trying to increase the number of my livestock. I had just one bull and five cows. He was big and strong and I knew that calves that could be born because of him would also be big and strong. But he was taking a lot of time to take care of business with the five cows so I made this to save time and to see if it worked.

Lionelia had her mouth open.

- Are you saying that you… to that bull…

Seya shrugged his shoulders.

- Yes, of course. I did it on two occasions, and he almost filled a bucked on both times. I placed his liquid in one syringe and I went to the cows. It worked, and after I sold two calves and saved more money, I was able to buy another bull. With two bulls and five cows, it became easier and I never had to do it again. So, I know for sure that this method works.

Ryn was slowly shaking her head, while the others were too dumbfounded to speak.

- No way… you actually did it… but… we are not cows!

- I know, but the principle still applies. As to any species where there's the need for a male and a female, to make an offspring.

Ryn started to bump her head against the table, exasperated.

- Argh! This guy… I don't know if I should mock him because he milked a bull, or if I should be glad because he did it and that allowed him to create this!

Erza was still pushing and pulling the piston of one syringe.

- Seya… how long the liquid of a man can last outside of his body so that it can be used with this?

- Well, I think that it's between four to nine days if kept in the Refrigerator. If it's placed in the Freezer, some months. But on the freezer it's riskier, it must be frozen slowly and it must be unfrozen slowly as well. But it's viable, most of the times.

- I see... and… what do you think of our proposal? Not for now, but in the future.

Seya smiled and he threw two small dark dots to a corner of the room. When they spread and vanished, a Refrigerator and a Freezer were in there. Seya pointed at them.

- I have in there some small wooden containers already filled. I was preparing things for Attina. I need to give her those and explain how to use the syringe. But if you ever want, it's in there.

Ryn lifted her head from the top of the table, she was still resting in there.

- What, don't tell me that for these last few days instead of being with me or with Lionelia, you were having fun all alone?

Seya shook his head.

- I don't consider it as fun, for me it was more like work. It was just to do what Aria suggested, to give a baby to Attina so that Ariel could be under a close watch. Well, I was also thinking that Erza and Myra would ask about something like this when their relationship got to that point.

Myra and Erza were looking at each other and they both smiled at him. Erza had her eyes shining.

- Thanks, cousin… I was a little worried… about me and a boy…

- Yeah, I understand, it's ok. Now, do you need anything else? Or can we go to sleep? Because Erza will have a fun day tomorrow, and I want to get to the Denar'an Auditorium really soon, to find a good spot!

Hearing that, Erza trembled.

- Tomorrow… Yeah… I'm afraid of what will happen.

Seya shrugged his shoulders.

- Whatever happens, you deserve it, for all that you did to Arys, these past years. You know that, right?

- Yeah… You have a point… but… I don't know what she will do…

Seya smiled.

- Me neither, but I'm sure it will be funny. She won't hurt you much, or at least, until a point where Healing Magic can't help, but she must take her revenge. It's also important for her, to put the past behind. Don't worry, when everything ends, you and she can start fresh and be real sisters.

Erza forced a smile.

- Yeah… I would like that… Well, it's best if we go to sleep. Sorry to annoy you like this at this hour, but we couldn't catch you alone during these last few days.

- That's ok. I'm glad I could help. I just think that Myra could be more worried because instead of coming here, she should take care of the homework that I gave her. Unless she wants that I slap her butt, of course.

Myra shook her head vigorously.

- No, I don't want that! I'm almost finishing, I just need to change some parts of my Magical Program! I think that tomorrow I will be able to complete my homework.

Seya smiled. As he thought, Myra is really something. Not even she realizes that, it seems.

- Good. Now, get out of here, I need to sleep! Don't look at me like that, you two also, I want to sleep!

Ryn and Lionelia were looking at him with such a sad face, because all that talk made them a little aroused and there he was, almost kicking them out of his room! They slowly got up and went to the door, dragging their feet. Erza and Myra were holding laughter, just by seeing them like that. Seya kissed them both and winked one eye.

- Don't worry, we will have plenty of time. But today I'm really beat, this day was too stressful.

Lionelia forced a smile.

- Yeah, I guess… Come Ryn, let's see if we can find another boy awake, one that doesn't give such a lame excuse… I was even willing to help him fill some small containers to put in the Refrigerator, but this guy is useless…

Seya gulped by hearing that, but before he could agree on such a fun activity, they closed the door and he was left behind, all alone.

- I think I just lost a golden opportunity… Sometimes I think I am my worst enemy…

…