TBATE | Aetheric Presence (HIATUS)

Experiences

Alright, chapter two. Let's get on with it.
───────────

[ Arthur Leywin POV ]

"Art?"

She called out, I couldn't help but stare. Was this really Tess? I mean it had to be, she was one of the only people who called him Art, but even then she should've been stuck back there.

Her appearance changed, her emerald eyes and gunmetal hair seemed to of vanished. Well, actually, a lot about her had been altered. What once flowed like molten metal had been replaced by the same darkness I woke up to, it framed her face quite nicely.

I couldn't help but stare into her amethyst eyes, did I like her change in appearance? I mean, it did contrast my own so-

"Is Sylvie okay?"

I heard her ask, my mind dropped back to her final words and act of sacrifice for myself, alongside Tess as well apparently. My hand gripping on her egg before presenting it to the newly crowned black haired woman.

"Oh my-is that, her egg?"

I nodded, silently feeling tears begin to weld before I felt her slender arms wrap around my body, and my head was placed into against her shoulder.

Tess probably whispered some things to make me feel better, but I didn't listen, I just laid there for the meanwhile as I processed whatever I could.

"Well that's nice and all, you wake up to a caring woman, while I wake up to a puppy who can't tell the difference between his hair to his own shirt!"

Regis quipped out, floating swiftly around myself and Tess. I couldn't help but stifle a soft laugh as Tess went to touch Regis.

"Hey lady, keep your hands off the merchandise! I know I'm stunning, but please, control yourself,"

I figured I was in for a ride, considering Regis' rather vocal and, forthright personality.

"So, I assume you're going to be the person to accompany Art with me?" Tess asked simply, just watching Regis' form float about without much care. His eyes widening at her question.

"Wait, so not only do I have to follow this damsel in distress," Regis paused to contain a laugh from humorously teasing me "But you're coming with us too? God I can't wait to experience the joys of such daring travels,"

His wisp form letting out an annoyed laugh with prolonged silence between every laugh.

"Alright well, that's one of the good news. Pretty sure we're in one these, ancient tombs that are littered around like dropped chips in a carpet. Mainly because of the drinkable water, I'm confident this is a rest room for travelers,"

Tess and I looked around, understanding our position before I nodded. "Well, aren't you pretty smart," I teased towards my floating fireball.

Regis turned to me swiftly, a smug smile on his face before he laughed. "Of course! I have to be, there's a beautiful woman with us, and I have to make sure she's safe!"

Tess softly punched Regis, her fist passing right through him as she spoke, "I'll have you know I can keep myself plenty safe,"

Regis laughed, I could almost see a tear in his eye. "Yeah, with that shattered mana core, sure you can!"

His laughter just bellowed out as he, basically, skipped over to one of the doors.

Tess looked at me, shock and fear in her eyes. "What does he mean, shattered mana core?"

"I guess, with these new bodies, our cores just couldn't handle the backlash," I whispered, standing up before stumbling slightly.

I tried doing anything, kicking, punching. All of it was slow and painful to do, even the simplest of movements to crack my knuckles hurt, and I just slumped against the wall.