The 1.000 year Great Sage ---> COMPLETED STORY

Seya opened a Gateway to the Dragonoid Library. On the other side, was the Elder Eridan, reading a book. Seya and Heiji crossed it and he bowed.

- Master Eridan, sorry for intruding. I have a situation to report and a request.

- Oh, hello Seya. Little Princess, how you are doing? My wife Inia is giving you too much trouble? Do I need to lecture her?

- Hello, Master Eridan. All is well, thank you. Master Inia is amazing, I'm learning a lot with her.

- That's good to hear. So, Seya, what happened?

- Master Eridan, remember that Dragonoid that tried to attack me the first time you took me to the Library, five years ago?

- Oh, the one that you put inside that Dark Magic of yours? Yes, I do.

- Seems that he was studying in the Library, but he was also killing and eating Fairies to get stronger by absorbing their Magic so that he could kill me.

- That's… a serious offense. Killing and absorbing Magic of other Magical Beings is punishable by death on sight. I noticed over the last years that he was spending here a lot of time and getting stronger every year, but he always tried to disguise his amount of Magic when near other Dragonoids, so no one here noticed how and what he was doing. Did he go after you?

- Yes, and he was killed by my bodyguard Titania, the Queen of the Fairies. Seems she was after him for some time, but she didn't want to invade the Dragonoid Island and kill every Dragonoid to get to him.

- She would be able to do that, that's for sure. Not even all the Elders united are a match to that little Fairy. And she's your bodyguard? How did that happen?

- I was as surprised as you are. Seems the Goddess asked her. I don't know why.

- Maybe because some of the previous Great Sages died when they were still very young. After they died, the Goddess took measures to protect the Templar Sage and the next one, the Elfian Sage.

- So, that happened, I never knew…

- But you said you have a request. What is it?

- I need to have an official meeting with the 4 Protectors, the Goddess Hands.

Hearing that, Eridan got up and closed his book.

- I will see to it. Can it be this afternoon?

- Yes, Master Eridan. Goodbye for now.

…

While Seya was talking with the Elder Dragonoid Eridan, Ryn was inside the house, crying no-stop, walking back and forth while mumbling.

- A Dragonoid disguised as a human… the Queen of Fairies protecting him… why this kind of things happens to him?

Zak saw the worried look on Hina, but he didn't know what he could do. So, he went near Ryn and he tried to calm her down.

- You know, despite all the craziness that he does, he already told us that he never does anything without a backup plan. And Princess Heiji is scary, I think that even if that Fairy wasn't there, they would be able to take care of that strange man.

- Yeah… maybe your right… but I still worry about him… I love him so much… and seeing him in danger like that… made me realize that I don't know what I would do without him… and I feel so helpless… Princess Heiji just threw me in here like if I was a nuisance… they never thought that I could help… I feel so useless…

- Princess Heiji did that to protect you, you know that, right? Seya shouted for us to get inside of the house, we all saw how much worried he was for us, but you stayed behind, instead of running as we did.

- But… I could have helped… we all could…

- I don't think we could, actually. If we stayed there, we would just get in the way. You saw what Princess Heiji did and how she behaved when we were in the Capital and Seya told her to protect him. You saw how she reacted, right? Those two work very well together and I think that by the way that they were facing that disguised Dragonoid, they are used to situations like that. I would never be so calm like them. I'm still trembling, by remembering the scary amount of Magic that Dragonoid was releasing. And I'm not as good as John, sensing Magic. He is still in shock, seated on the floor over there.

Ryn looked at John. He was seated on the floor, next to the door. He had his chin rested on top of his bent knees and he had his face completely white. For someone as kind and caring like him, a violent situation like that was always horrible for him. Ryn wiped her tears.

- I'll take care of that, I know how to deal with him. He hates fighting, that's why he always supports us when we were doing a security job. But if he chooses to fight, his Light Magic is outstanding. And if he gets mad, no one can stop him. I'm sure that if he stayed near Princess Heiji, he would have helped more than I could. I may be a good fighter, but John's Magic puts me in a corner.

Zak watched Ryn going near John, a little wobbling, but she still managed to gather some strength. Hina approached Zak while giving a glance to those two.

- Well done Zak. I don't know what you told her, but at least, she stopped crying and she's helping John. She always knows what to say to him. I just get irritated with that guy and I slap him when he's like that.

- Yeah, I know how they are feeling. I would be like them if it was you out there and I stayed in here.

Hina hugged Zak, moved by those simple words. Zak smiled and he looked at the door.

- I hope they don't take long, I'm getting nervous. Sometimes, I hate that guy because of the absurd Magic that he has and the easiness that he does things, but I do like him and I want to learn more with him and make you proud of me.

Hina Hugged Zak even harder.

- I really like when you always think about me. Heheheh!

- You… are squeezing… too much… can't… breath…

- Oops, sorry!

…

Seya and Heiji crossed the Gateway that he used to talk with Master Eridan and closed it. Facing the house were his friends were, he dispersed the Light Dome that he placed around the house, to protect them all. Ryn was the first to come out and she runs towards Seya, hugging him and crying her eyes out. She heard and saw everything, and she was still shaking. The others and the Baron came out and they stopped near Princess Heiji, in silence. John smiled at Heiji and he hugged her so strongly that she lost her breath. But Princess Arys didn't stay in silence for long…

- Stupid cousin, making enemies among the Dragonoids… Stupid! So, so, stupid!

- That wasn't my fault, actually. That one attacked me for no reason, the first time I went to the Dragonoid Library, five years ago. It seems he held a grudge against me. I need to meet with the Elder Dragonoid Council and tell them what happened here. And also, to make sure that there's not another Dragonoid that wants me dead.

Ryn wiped her tears and she faced Seya with an angry look.

- Why would you want to do that? Do you know how much I was worried because of you? Do you like to look for trouble?

- No, dear Ryn. I just don't like to have a target on my back. I need to check if there's another Dragonoid that wants my head. Or one that could target you, to get to me and dispose of him quickly.

Princess Heiji nodded, with a scary face.

- Yeah, like you did with those stupid mermaids, the so-called friends of Princess Ariel that tried to kill me...

- Yes, and because of that, Ariel became my mortal enemy. That mermaid really hates me! And you didn't need to bring that out…

Hearing that, Ryn turned to Princess Heiji. That was a story that she never heard!

- Princess, some mermaids tried to kill you? Why?

Princess Heiji looked to the ground, embarrassed.

- They didn't like that I killed one Sea Monster that supposedly, was a Royal Guard. That thing scared the hell out of me when I was with Seya, fighting each other underwater, for training. I inadvertently trespassed over one of the Mermaid Castles and that Sea Monster attacked me.

Ryn was speechless, looking back and forth to Seya and to Princess Heiji. What were those two doing? Fighting underwater for training? Even the Baron had his mouth open, unable to say anything. Seya smiled and he opened a Gateway.

- It's time for lunch, right? Princess, we need to have a serious talk about that big mouth of yours.

- Ops… sorry…

- Don't you sorry me, now. I'm going to smack your bottom for this, later on. Better if you get prepared. I'll make sure that you can't sit down straight for one week…

Seeing the angry eyes of Seya's disguised under that smile, Princess Heiji knew instantly that he wouldn't forgive her. She nodded slowly, resigned to her fate.

- Yes, Big Brother…

They all followed Seya and entered again into the dining room.

Milady Margaret was seated at the table, with some papers on her hands, very concentrated. The table was already set, and Mary and Tomas were bringing a lot of food.

- Hello again, Milady. Seems that you are still working.

Milady Margaret got up and did a gracious bow.

- Yes, Milord, I was checking some papers about the school and the healing room behind the church. Seems that there's a need for some supplies and I'm making a list for each one. Milord, King Rohan contacted through the Communicator Device. I almost died of nervousness when I saw who it was. And he…

- Hello, everyone. Heiji, what did you do? Your face is all red and you seemed that you were crying, with those eyes all red.

Princess Heiji quickly wiped her eyes.

- Hello father. No, I'm still recovering from a scary situation that we encountered. It ended well, but my heart is still pounding.

Seya looked at her, very angry.

- Again? Why don't you learn when to close your mouth? Now your father will be worried!

Sorry, my King, it was an old enemy. He's already dead. He was killed by my bodyguard, Titania, the Queen of the Fairies.

The King shouted in surprise.

- What? The Ancient Magical Being, Titania? And she's your bodyguard? How?

- Yeah, I was also surprised. Seems that the Goddess assigned her to me, even before I was born. I never talked with her before and today was the first time that we met.

The King was looking at everyone gathered in the dining room, and by the nodding and the small smiles, he confirmed that even if it seemed impossible, it was true.

- Amazing… Seya, you don't stop surprising me. I came here to surprise you but I didn't guess that it was me getting the surprise.

Seya felt a small touch on his arm. When he looked back, he could see the Baron trembling and looking at the King.

- My King, allow me to introduce to you, Baron Frank Macleod of the Clan Macleod. And his son, Duncan Macleod.

Duncan and his father kneeled and greeted the King.

- It's an honor, my King!

- Thank you. But get up please, I just came here for a surprise, it's not an official visit, so let's forget the protocol for today, ok?

- Yes, my King!

- Well, I also wanted to invite the Baron's family and everyone here, to the dinner engagement next week, of my daughter Heiji and John West over there. John, your parents are already notified. Seems that your mother fainted when my messenger gave her the invitation. And your father almost followed her. Didn't you tell your parents?

- I did, my King, but they didn't believe me at first. I had to take Heiji to meet my parents, so they could see her and realize that I didn't go nuts!

- Ahahahah! Poor John, if even your parents didn't believe in you, I want to see the faces on our Nobles, that for years, wanted to marry their sons with Heiji!

John turned white, he never thought about other pretenders to marry Princess Heiji.

Seya looked at him and tried to change the subject of the conversation, letting John recover for a while.

- My King, I want to talk to you because an important matter, do you mind that we talk while we eat? I suppose my King is joining us, right?

- Yes, Milady Margaret already invited me. After I helped her regain consciousness, that is. She fainted the moment I arrived here, using the Gateway and the Communicator Device. I was taking a stroll on the back garden, before lunch, Milady Margaret was too nervous when I was near her. Ahahahah!

- Father, if mother suspects that you are getting near other women just to tease them, you'll be done for.

- Oops… Eheheh!

…

While they were seated and about to eat, a familiar girl's voice was heard.

- Hello. Room for one more? Knnya… knnya… knnya…

Everybody froze, looking at one familiar little girl with blonde curly hair and blue eyes, smiling and looking at them, near the entrance of the dining room.

The Baron didn't know who she was, so he just looked at her. Seya got up with a smile and he casually went to her, held her hand and brought her to a seat at the table, right next to him.

- If it isn't my little 'friend' Aria. Of course, you can join us.

With that emphasis on the word 'friend' and the serious gaze that Seya gave to everyone, they all understood that her identity should not be mentioned. Lady Margaret recognized her, so she smiled at her student.

- Hello, little Aria. I didn't know that you were a friend of the Marquess.

- Yes, Teacher, I know Seya for many years, he's my Big Brother! Teacher, sorry for entering like this, but I was knocking at the door for ages, but no one came! I entered and called again and again, and still nothing! Maybe I should have shouted, I think. I just wanted to visit my Big Brother, I miss him…

- No problem little Aria, but next time, tell me before at school so that I know when you come and I can open the door for you. Maybe when you arrived, it was in the middle of the introduction of the King and because of that, no one heard you.

Seya was biting his lip, trying to prevent a burst of laughter.

- Little Aria, why the sudden visit? Did you miss me already?

- Yeah, you are always using that Gateway of yours, sometimes I lose track of you! Oh, I've met at school the two DogKind that you rescued! They told the entire school how you did it! Big Brother, next time that you go to school, the kids will go nuts! Knnya…knnya…knya…

Seya smiled, hearing that funny laugh. They started to eat, the food looked delicious.

- My King, I need advice on a matter. It's something that I didn't predict that could happen in the near future, so I'm a little doubtful of what should be the better approach.

I've created an opening in the Magical Border that will work as a Border Checkpoint for merchants coming from the Empire. And I'm also hoping that some slaves escape from the Empire, by going there. If everything goes well, I will one day receive some visits from Slave Traders, to sell me some slaves.

- I think that's a huge risk. What prevents the Empire from using that checkpoint to invade these lands?

- Besides the fact that there's not a single weapon on the Empire? Or that I've made a lot of defenses to prevent just that? I think that's covered, my doubt is the future of the Empire.

- Oh? What about the future?

- Well, I'm just guessing, but I think that since the Empire lost this piece of land that was an important food source and they are now restrained by land, air, and sea, I think that very soon, the people will start to suffer from a lack of food or other basic necessities. And if I take a lot of slaves from the Empire, they will also lose an important part of their workforce.

- I see your point. Yes, that will surely happen. I think it could lead to a civil war, a lot of killing or the complete fall of the Emperor and the High Nobles. I don't think you can do anything about that, they brought that upon themselves since the creation and the expansion of the Empire, many centuries ago.

- I could just blow them all out quickly and spare them of so much suffering…

Clang!

- Sorry, I drop my fork. Better my fork than my knife on Seya's throat, right? Knnya…knnya…knnya…

Seya gulped for a moment.

- … I guess the Goddess wouldn't like that, so I must use another way… Which brings me to my next brilliant idea. Or not. But I need help on that part.

- What you have in mind?

- My King, I suppose that the Kingdom as some spies or connections inside the Empire, correct?

- Maybe… what are you up to?

- I want to contact some Landowners. Some Nobles that have a lot of lands. I suppose those are the ones that have the real power over the Empire, not the ones with more money or a bigger army. I want to put in their heads a strange new idea. They should gather and begin agreements and contacts to start a Conclave of Nobles to influence and change the Empire, into a country ruled by them. Later on, the members of that Conclave should be chosen by the people. Since those Nobles will be representing the people, it's reasonable that the people chose them. With that Conclave, the power of the Emperor and the High Nobles, will just disappear.

The Baron was following the conversation between the King and Seya, and he had an idea.

- Milord, I think I can be of some assistance on that matter. I have a cousin, Arthur Macleod, on the other side of that opening that Milord made on the Magic Border. He's also a Baron and he administers some lands of a Count of the Empire. Maybe I can contact him, and have him search for some Nobles also, that could agree with that idea of the Conclave.

The King shook his head slowly, he was doubtful.

- Maybe your cousin could get into trouble because that's a strange idea. The Emperor and the High Nobles, as soon as they hear about that, will send their army to kill all of them.

- With what? Stones and sticks? Because I think I have all their weapons.

I was thinking that in a few months, we could teach those Landowners the three systems that are being used in the Royal Kingdom. I could even rent them for a fair price, some farming equipment. And for protection, I could give them weapons, for protection against the revenge of the Emperor and his allies. Or I could just kill the Emperor and the High Nobles and be done with it.

Clang!

- Oops… sorry, my fork again. Big Brother needs to stop talking about so much killing, we're eating here!

- … Sorry little Aria, my bad. My King, what do you think?

- A Conclave of Nobles to rule the lands of the Empire… do you think that could work?

- The LizardKind is doing that for the past 10.000 years, and it's working for them, really well.

- Really? No one ever deals with them because of the language barrier!

- Well, the BeastKind trades with them for some years because of me, actually. And as soon as I give the Clan Conclave of the 10 Major Clans some Gateway Crystals, they will begin to interact with more races. My King will like the Elders of the Clan Conclave, they are very wise and proud warriors. If it wasn't for them and the Mermaids acting as a line of defense, we would have a lot of problems with small or medium size Demonoids.

The King was in silence, thinking for a moment.

- So the ancient stories in the Goddess Teachings are true, they are really protecting all of us… And a Conclave of Nobles to rule the Empire…

Well, maybe when Heiji grows up and if she does a lousy job ruling this Kingdom, we may also need one of those! Ahahah!

Princess Arys smirked.

- Yeah, I'm totally seeing this Kingdom in ruins by that time! I guess by then, it will be better if I come here, dispose of her, and become the new ruler. Heheheh!

Princess Heiji put her tongue out.

- Yeah, like if I would let you! Don't worry, I'm going to be an amazing ruler! And if you behave properly and marry Duncan, I will even give you a Noble title and a lot of lands. I want to see if you can do a better job than Seya!

- Me? Marrying Duncan?... I…