Chương 91: The lives that you have changed

"So, how does it feel to now be properly on the path to bronze-rank?" Kite asked Brook as the light of the ritual of awakening died down, her final awakening stone having been dissolved and absorbed.

"Unreal," Brook admitted while brushing back a stray auburn lock of hair that had escaped in the slight magical turbulence of the ritual.

"To have all my powers awakened now, but a scant two months after getting my essences… Kite, I expected this to take years. How am I ever supposed to balance out this karma between us?" Her last words were an often repeated statement, which Kite only answered with a meaningful look.

"Sorry…" she sighed.

"Friends let their paths intertwine, supporting each others' growth. I know… But, do you even know what it feels like?"

"Actually, that I do. I feel it all the time. To my aunties. Uncle Walker. Master Stone and mistress Dew. To Phiona and Rachel. Heavens, even branch director Jarvan. And Dobrazza. Gratitude is rather heavy at times, but also a worthwhile burden, wouldn't you say?" Kite asked her with a wink.

"And besides, the powers you awakened did come with some economical consequences, no?" The final part of his statement was directed at the other two creatures who had both approached Brook's side once more after bearing witness to the proceedings. The first was Scripture, her rune heron familiar awakened from absorbing her bird essence. Its shimmering blue feathers and pretty magical runes lent itself well to the proud bearing of the avian as it walked over on long legs.

The second, named Nudge, took a few flying laps around the room, joyfully playing tag with Glint before settling on Brook's shoulder. It was another bird, a small finch whose feathers seemed to be made of semi-translucent matter over its stark white skin. The species was called a kinetic finch, and was yet another summoned familiar which had been awakened from her mystic essence through an awakening stone of the bird, which Kite had made a rather favorable trade for at the local trade pavilion.

"Oh, I would call them a worthwhile investment." Brook said happily even as she snatched back one of her belt pouches which had started being telekinetically levitated upward by Nudge, eager to find the seeds inside.

"I would too, but if I get kicked out of one more art gallery due to Sage being unable to show proper manners, I might have to put off buying that next calligraphy book someone seemed to enjoy so much." Kite said, emphasizing the final part of the statement as he talked out into the empty air, getting only a defiant shudder in response from within his aura where the familiar was subsumed.

Overall, Brook's power set had come out very much to her liking, almost every ability being less combat-oriented and more utilitarian. Among other things, she could now swiftly copy text from books, both pace and number of copies steadily increasing with rank, as well as sort knowledge in a kind of mental storage and project it as glowing text in the air with another power to help make connections and cross-references.

With other utility powers increasing duration and lowering mana costs as well as summoning dust constructs for different tasks, Kite could see that her future within the world of knowledge that was the library looked quite bright indeed. He knew for a fact that several local researchers were all vying for her attention and assistance in their respective projects. Helping Brook acquire the awakening stones needed had been quite enjoyable too.

Most were relatively cheap stones, as many not favored by adventurers were bound to be, and Kite could supply her with quite a few by trading some manifested by Sage for others more fitting for Brook's work. He had also helped her buy a few herself with saved funds, and one additional awakening stone of ink was gifted to her by her mentor, the head librarian quite overjoyed with her development.

"But I digress-" Kite said, walking beside her throughout the halls of the Magic Society.

"- and believe that we should return to the fact that you, Still Brook in Blooming, might well replace the whole library in but a rank or two. Just imagine it, the fair sage walking around, books and scrolls raining down out of thin air to bless the masses with knowledge." Brook giggled at his antics, as she had begun to do once more during the close to three months since they had determined that their relationship going forward would remain one of friendship.

"And where will the vagabond be then, when these wonders occur? Out on your adventures?"

"Well, the adventures will yet have to wait a few more days I am afraid," Kite replied.

"Phiona and Rachel will depart in three days, so we will make sure that they get a proper farewell."

"It's sad that they have to leave. But I'm glad I could meet them, even if they were a bit scary at first." Brook said. Her meeting with the Gellers had progressed just fine from Kite's point of view, but Brook still remained quite insecure around new people. But he was happy to see that she seemed to have struck up a fast friendship with Felicity, and Brilliant Bloom by association.

"It is indeed sad, but I believe that it will be good for them. Especially Phiona, who has certain things to face back home. But teacher is strong, so I remain ever confident both in her success and us meeting again in the future, heavens be willing." As Kite finished, the pair had reached one of the main doors and exited onto the campus grounds. Outside, spring was now in full swing while hinting at soon transitioning to summer.

Trees, bushes and flowers were blooming everywhere, often around and complementary to the many statues of Bastion. Looking out over the skyline from their vantage up on the First Step, Kite once more shook his head as he was reminded of the new addition to the city's skyline.

"I still refuse to believe that Vista had nothing to do with this." he muttered, Brook giggling in response.

"I, for one, like them. And you have to admit that 'Kite's refuge' has a nice ring to it." Across the city, a surprising number of kites were swaying and bobbing along with the constant breeze from the ocean. While they varied a bit in shape and size, they were all blue and if one looked closer, one would see the crest of the Relentless family painted somewhere on their surface.

All businesses taken under the wing of the Relentless family were given one to display as a symbol of their protection, and their number had only grown during the last half of Kite's stay in Bastion.

"I believe that all those left outside of such protection might disagree," Kite said.

"But you are right. It feels good that they listened, and that my boon seems to have made a difference to some at least. Peony and Sun especially. It's just… the kites… Isn't it a bit too 'on the nose'?"

"The vagabond will just have to accept that trying to leave a mark on his surroundings might actually just do that. Acceptance is a trait most favored by the heavens." Brook said sagely, before a slight frown colored her features.

"But you didn't say how long you will stay, Kite."

"That depends on where the contracts take me, but the fair sage need not fret. Glint and I are becoming more proficient with traveling long distances at speed, so I would expect a vagabond and his fish to drop in every now and then. Bastion also has more lucrative contracts for me as a bronze-ranker, but I will return to Gilded for the monster surge. They need all adventurers they can get with those distances and sparse villages." At his words, Brook sighed and shook her head.

"I still have a hard time envisioning your life, Kite, but I am glad that you and your companions work hard to keep the rest of us safe. Thank you."

"And thank you for helping us preserve the knowledge and nourish what we protect in turn," Kite replied, reaching out to give her a sideways hug. Letting go, he continued.

"And do remember to practice your combat spells the way Rachel taught you. You might still be called in as reserve during the surge, after all," he finishes, chuckling at Brook's disgruntled expression. She did have a few offensive spells, such as directing a swarm of razor papers to shred potential foes as well as both of her familiars.

"Speaking of knowledge, is there any progress in your research into what kind of being Sage is?" Kite then asked, changing the subject.

"Not so far, but the head librarian has assisted me in requesting copies of a few promising volumes from the capitol. But it is hard to assess when they will arrive, if at all. We aren't the most prestigious branch, after all."

"Do not worry. I am just grateful that you keep looking," Kite said, rising from where he had been leaning against the low wall at the brim of the First Step.

"But now, fair sage, I will have to take my leave. Teacher will not let me slack off in these last days of training. So I will see you at the farewell-party tomorrow." A pair of staves clashed violently, one of steel-capped wood and the other of an almost otherworldly metal, rings at the top chiming only gently at the violent collision. One clash turned into a steady stream, both combatants using every part of their weapons to block, attack, feint and shove.

As usual, Kite was being pressed quite thoroughly, Phiona fighting with her usual relentless precision, but even he was not modest enough to look past the fact that he had improved greatly during his time in Bastion. While he knew that his teacher was holding back, her speed attribute having crossed the boundary to silver rank, Kite still felt surges of elation as he was able to spot the holes she left in her defenses and the opportunities, however small, that were presented.

Even if Phiona would still deflect or evade all of his attempts to capitalize on them, he could see her approving smile every time. An especially intense barrage left Kite winded and even more on the defensive, but unlike previous times, he did remain in the fight. Just as he was about to look for an opportunity to turn the tides, Phiona disengaged, her full speed on display as she took a quick jump backwards.

"Well, student, it would seem that you have surpassed my expectations in the end." the blonde Geller said with a nod of approval.

"Oh, Nona, we all knew that, given your rather low expectations from the start!" Rachel called from where she was lounging at the side of the training area, a heap of exhaustion named Sun laying close by, panting hard. Phiona was in the process of delivering a withering glare to her cousin when Kite's words interrupted her.

"Thank you, teacher. With your insights, wisdom and skill, the heavens suddenly feel close enough to touch." he said, giving her a formal bow.

"See, at least Kite still remembers things such as proper decorum for the proper time." Phiona noted to her cousin, before returning the bow.

"Are the three of you ready for tomorrow's celebration then?" Kite asked. Both Gellers nodded at his question, while Sun only managed to groan something vaguely affirmative.

"Count on me to never miss a party! Especially one where I'm the one being honored!" Rachel exclaimed, making a toast with an imaginary cup.

"It will indeed be quite nice with a proper send-off. Our stay here has been significant and meaningful enough." Phiona agreed, before turning to Kite again.

"But we are still some ways away from such celebration, student. Once more, this time with powers, but staff only."

"Yes, teacher!" The common room of the Stormbringer's Perch was bustling with activity, colorful paper lanterns pushing back the evening gloom while the air was filled with enticing smells and the din of people conversing and drinking in merriment. Part of the space was partitioned off with some sliding walls for privacy, and it was here that the farewell party for the two Gellers had been in full swing for most of the evening already.

The company wasn't overly large, with the two Gellers, Kite, Peony, Sun and Brook being the ones who had arrived right away, but Vista had also joined them not soon after in the company of a bodyguard. The silver-ranked outlander had mostly stood in stoic silence and sent stern glares towards the rest of those gathered, her leonid fur a deep golden color.

Her frown had only deepened further when Braid and Wander had joined them a while later, especially at Wander's tendencies to spread out over the whole room and join multiple conversations simultaneously while also snacking on everything within reach. The stern silver-ranker aside, it was a nice and casual affair, and Kite had found himself thoroughly relaxing in the pleasant company.

"Once more, I thank you for the invitation," Vista said as he took a seat next to Kite in a small group of couches made in a foreign style. The others were currently gathered next to the sliding doors revealing the inn's garden, where Whimmy and Missus were currently in the midst of a good-natured wrestling match.

"Vista, our contract may have ended, but you are still one of us, as long as you don't mind the association. I would be happy to consider you a friend." Kite replied honestly. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The young master froze up only momentarily, before chuckling.

"My apologies, being around mostly the high society tends to leave me stunned by actual earnestness. Thank you, Kite. I must admit that I did not expect it even in the least, but being around you three has taught me a lot. I would be happy to count you as a friend."

"Well, the teaching opportunity has been mutual too, although I am unsure if my body has yet to properly recover after our latest bout in the practice hall," Kite said with a slight wince.

"While I am proud of my first win, you truly haven't allowed me another one since."

"The Whirlwind Warrior must uphold his reputation, no?" Vista replied with a proud smile.

"But your growth in technique has been most impressive, especially with the staff, for reasons I assume to be obvious. Find yourself some more masters and then you might start providing me with a proper challenge once more."

"Oh, the young master is too kind," Kite shot back with a smile.

"But Phiona has counseled the same. I count myself fortunate to have met so many good teachers already, but there will hopefully be many more along my path. And I must admit that the reward and bonus from your family upon the completion of the entourage-contract will carry me quite the distance in that regard, at least resource-wise."

"I'm glad to hear that me stressing the unexpected dangers and need to keep you happy and quiet about the details was taken seriously by the family elders," Vista said.

"Have you decided upon which item you would like to commission yet?"

"No, I will wait until silver rank is closer, as there is no telling where I will be then, assuming I survive. After all, I still have a token for the jade-sky gate."

"So you have said. When do you aim to take on the challenge?"

"Oh, I am in no rush. Sometime in the future, after the monster surge at least. I need to be as prepared as I can be. The trials are said to adapt a bit to the level of the wielder, but that doesn't mean that more time to grow in skill and procure the right equipment won't be a boon," Kite said.

"Well, I believe that the heavens have given you a path frustrating enough that few will be able to stand against you," Vista said, lifting his cup in a toast and taking a sip.

"That new racial gift evolution of yours is wicked; suddenly my mana is even more of a trap, and I actually have powers to recover it. I can't imagine the collective frustration you would bring to the essence-users of the world. If there was a god for the concept, you would surely be their chosen. Heavens, if that is what you get for fighting a silver-ranker to almost a standstill, I might start looking around for bigger prey."

As Vista finished the sentence, both of the young men suddenly shivered as an aura more powerful than theirs washed over them, the objection quite obvious.

"My apologies, Kinthara! I will of course refrain from such behavior!" Vista called, nodding apologetically to the bodyguard who was giving her charge a displeased look.

"I thought that you would chafe a bit more at your family finally taking the step to have a silver-ranker escort you," Kite noted, giving his own respectful bow towards the leonid.

"Well, during our time together, we happened upon enough unexpected hardship for even my cursed pride to face reality," the young master sighed.

"With the trade war gradually intensifying, my family decided that the risk was simply too great and that we would lose little face as a consequence. And besides, Kinthara has been a wonder of stoic professionalism and competence. Did you know that her hearing is beyond this world," he finished, his smile theatrically strained.

"I for one am glad that you may keep your momentum going, Vista," Kite said.

"You are an impressive warrior, and I hope to hear more legends of you in the future. And speaking of great warriors, I believe it to be time." Rising, Kite refilled his cup and walked close to the group's table. A small flare of his aura had all of his companions look towards him questioningly.

"I would like to thank you all for coming here tonight," he began, speaking up to be heard over the slight susurrus of voices spilling in from the main area of the common room.

"Because I believe that gratitude is the least I can offer to my teacher for the last half a year, as well as to her boon companion and cousin. None would have held it against you if you had just followed the contract, provided me with some lessons and then gone your merry way. But instead, the two of you did not just teach me technique and form, doling out knowledge of moves and counters and considering your task finished.

Instead, you taught me what it means to be an adventurer of a higher standard, how to lean into my strengths and shore up my weaknesses. To use every advantage, and act with decisive precision. Without the two of you, and what you taught me, I would in all probability be dead now; not having returned from when the mistress of the Wither family spirited me away. And you did not just teach me, but others as well. Others I had no right to bring into this, but you welcomed it nonetheless.

We all owe you, Phiona and Rachel Geller, if not through karma then at least through gratitude. And I want you to be aware of the lives that you have changed here, through your path and presence both." As he finished, Kite raised his cup.

"May your paths take you to the heavens, and beyond." Immediately afterwards, more cups joined his, the same sentiment echoed by all those gathered. The swarm that was Wander chimed in as well, their squeaking agreement with the Hua-Xi proverb giving it a certain quality which Kite had never before experienced. Through it all, Phiona had kept up her confident facade while Rachel had looked as if she truly did not know what to do with herself, blustery confidence completely disarmed by earnest words.

A sentiment she let be known as the pair approached Kite soon after.

"Kite, that is the second earnest speech I have heard you deliver while I have known you. Is this going to become a habit?" the red-haired Geller complained while unable to hide the lingering blush.

"They do say that you only become more of yourself when ranking up, cousin," Phiona noted, still unphased.

"And I for one will not complain. Thank you, student, both for the words and the sentiment behind them."

"Well, people have told me all my life that I seem to be earnest to a fault. So I believe that I just have to accept my role in the grand play that is life," Kite said with a smile, but it faltered slightly as he continued.

"When will the portal-courier arrive?"

"At noon tomorrow." Phiona said, Kite getting the feeling that she echoed his sad feelings on the matter.

"Then we have a few hops ahead of us before we are home."

"Home, huh?" Rachel asked with a forlorn look.

"To imagine that we will be home in just a day or two, depending on if the schedules hold. It is almost on the opposite side of the world, yet has been so close this whole time. But hey, at least the family was happy to chip in for the fees. It would have been quite the dampener on the departure if most of our liquid assets would be used just to take us home."

"Most might be a stretch, cousin," Phiona noted.

"Well, Nona, you're not the one having quite the expensive savings project," Rachel retorted before sticking her tongue out at her smirking cousin.

"Any regrets then?" Kite asked them.

"Something yet unfinished?"

"I for one believe that this trip has already given me much more than I'd expected. My only regret is that I couldn't be there for you when that noble whisked you away," Phiona said, the reminder putting a bit of a dampener on the mood between the three.

"Teacher, I-""I know," she sighed, interrupting him.

"I'm still just frustrated. Those consumables to forcefully teleport others should be outlawed, or at least restricted."

"At least they are damn expensive," Rachel chimed in.

"And Kite just shoved that expense right in their faces." At her words, both Kite and Phiona couldn't help but smile. Throughout their time together, Rachel had always been able to lighten the mood, but Kite thought to have gleaned quite a bit more intent in her seemingly spontaneous comments or outbursts.

"What about you, Rachel? Any regrets?" Kite asked her.

"Nah, not any big ones. Maybe not taking the time to fool around some, but as we have previously stated, I will need to keep my image as a fair and pure lady intact."

"The kind of fair lady who is openly appreciating one of her companion's rear assets?" Kite asked meaningfully.

"It is not her fault that a lady has eyes." Rachel said with an indignant huff.

"But as I have said, who knows what the future holds. I will at least have to return and see how that particular sculpture is turning out." Across the room, oblivious to the conversation taking place between the three, Vista got the sudden impulse to sit down. Hours flowing away like the waves receding, the night came and went. And before truly having realized it, Kite stood before the two Gellers once more, but this time with the light of a late spring day bathing their surroundings.

They were gathered in a square at the Adventure Society campus, Bastion not being nearly populous enough for a dedicated portal square. A silver-ranked elven man stood patiently waiting a bit further off to give the trio some space. While the rest had said their farewells the night before, Kite still felt it important to see them off properly. As did Glint, already in the process of receiving enough pets and caresses to last until the next time they met.

While Kite was optimistic that he would cross paths again with the Gellers in the future, he also knew that it was likely years until then.

"So, as of this day, it would seem that I am no longer your teacher, Kite." Phiona noted.

"Should I ever train someone again, they will have a high bar to measure themselves against."

"Teach- I mean, you are too kind. Phiona." Kite said, attempting the adjustment of their new relative status.

"Oh, you should take it to heart, Kite. Nona is quite frank in her evaluations," Rachel added, seeming to be in high spirits.

"And I agree. For a small country bumpkin, you sure know how to surprise."

"And for a fair, noble lady, you definitely know how to melt people." Kite retorted with a smile.

"Aaaaw, that's so sweet!" Rachel exclaimed happily.

"And you are sure that you won't come with us? Join our team? Because you are criminally underrated in this land of pride and sects."

"While I will admit the offer to be genuinely tempting, I will have to stand by my decision," Kite said with a rueful shake of his head.

"There are too many things I have yet to see in my own homeland. And too many people dear to me to go at the moment. Besides, while I have met my share of pride and prejudice, I have also seen a lot more. I hope to bring more good tidings and opportunities to people like Peony, Sun and Brook too. There is even a project I hope to strike up with my uncle when returning to Gilded." Rachel looked as if she was about to protest, but the silver-ranker waiting for them cleared his throat politely.

"My ladies, the portal has gone off cooldown. Whenever you are ready."

"I guess it is time then," Rachel said before giving Kite a warm hug.

"Good luck, Kite."

"The same to you, Rachel," he said, before being surprised by Phiona also closing the distance for a quick embrace.

"As you say in these lands; may your path take you to the heavens and beyond. I will go back and see what they have in store for me as well," the blonde Geller said, once more having dropped her stern facade for a bit.

"With your skill and precision in all that you do, I believe that the skies are already well within your grasp, Phiona. Take care." Kite said, before stepping back. He waved at the pair as the elf conjured a portal of whirling sands, feeling their now familiar auras disappear one by one. Kite remained there at the plaza for a little longer, processing and in part embracing the feeling of loss that always accompanied such a farewell. Then, with a final sigh, he turned to Glint.

"I will miss them too," he said, putting the feeling he got through their familiar bond into words.

"We better cherish the memories together, and talk about the two of them as often as we can." The carp made an annoyed little loop, causing Kite to chuckle.

"Do not worry, little beauty, you are able to communicate your emotions quite clearly." As they talked, the pair of them had started making their way back down towards the lower steps. Even though the Gellers had now taken their leave, there were still quite a lot of people to see. And so many things yet to do. Stoic Boar was having a rather stressful day. Unfortunately, this was quite in line with how his days had been for the last three months since the day of mistress Relentless' birthday celebration.

Since then, most of his projects had to be put on hold, as it was all hands on deck in the upcoming mercantile turmoil.

"And to top it all off, that cursed adventurer came along and left such a mark on the city too," Boar grumbled inwardly, glancing up at one of the many kites flapping in the wind along some of the houses and establishments of the city. Still, it was hard to carry much real resentment on the matter.

As a consequence of the Relentless family's sudden action to protect independent actors, the Stoic family's patron house had taken steps to further tie their retainers closer to their families, and the young master's dreams of a good marriage proposal did not seem as much a mere idle fantasy as they might have before. The mental image of Lustrous Pearl proved to be distracting enough that Boar did not see who was approaching his group until the young man in question called out.

"Ah, young master Stoic. Greetings." Coming to his senses, Boar almost choked as the gods apparently saw fit to properly test him. The young adventurer in question, known as Kite, was politely tipping a wide traveler's hat in greeting to him.

"Ah, adventurer Kite." Boar said, a bit hesitant.

"Is there something I may assist you with?" While the young man was not overly famous, there were people in certain circles who definitely had taken note of him. As such, Boar went with more deference than the young man's station would usually have entailed.

"Oh no. It is the first time we have met since the celebration where you so kindly helped me and my companions inside. I wanted to thank you, as well as clear the air between us. You came through in your promise to my friend, as well as with the favor I asked of you. Know that I consider the karma between us properly severed." The young man spoke in a pleasant tone, enough so that Boar could not help but gently probe his aura for potential falsehoods.

"I-" Stoic Boar began, a bit taken aback.

"Thank you for the confirmation. It is always good to leave karma cleanly severed in matters of business. And the Stoic family will make good on their word."

"That is indeed so," Kite agreed.

"As I have said my peace, I will leave you to your no doubt important business. May your path take you to the heavens and beyond, young master. And may neither of us ever do anything else to once more unbalance the karma between us." With that, the adventurer once more bowed before resuming his walk, the colorful fish familiar following in his wake. Boar stood there on the street for a while, lost in thoughts before one of his guards gently cleared his throat.

"Young master, shall we continue?"

"Ehm- Ah, yes. Yes indeed." As Stoic Boar continued along the streets of Bastion to yet another meeting with some of the family crafters, he had to admit to himself that his day felt a little less stressful. Steps lightened by karmic debt severed, the young master of the Stoic family vowed to make the most of the trying days which lay before him. And to never underestimate young outcasts ever again.