Linked

Chapter VII

After a good half hour of walking, Roben approached the clearing where they had found Terakial's egg. As he neared the edge, he could hear voices. Asmara, it seemed, was already with Loci. Terakial was nestled near them, his head on the ground. His body wasn't moving, but his eyes followed their movements. Roben hid, and listened.

"I'm afraid to do anything, now!" said Loci, frightened.

"Loci, calm down. Let me explain." Loci stood still, looking at Asmara. "What happened is a perfectly normal occurrence. You are a Link, a Soarer even. Your magic needed to manifest itself in some way, and i just so happened to be in that situation. Magic usually manifests itself for the first time when the user undergoes a strong emotion. But remember, this is your magic. It does not control you, you control it. And also, it tells us what your main magic is going to be."

"Main magic?" asked Loci,

"Yes. Although most magic users can use general magic, everyone has something called a combat magic. It's a specific class of magic one uses during battle. I'm sure you saw in the throne room that my magic is elements. Oren's is-- was-- light, and Crow's is darkness. Although who knows what other kind of magic he can use. I mean, so can I, but I fear he must be hiding something. But that's beside the point. According to what you told me, it seems as though your magic will also be elements. A challenging, but useful magic."

Roben tried to move closer, but accidentally snapped a twig. Loci jumped, but Asmara simply smiled.

"Roben, do stop loitering in the forest. Come join us." she said calmly.

Roben stepped out, and was greeted with a tight hug from Loci.

"Loci, I--"

"I'm so sorry, Roben!"

"Hey, Loci, why are you apologizing? I should be the one scrambling to get back your respect. I behaved like a child, and you should hate me for it."

"I could never hate you, you know that." said Loci through sobs.

"I know." Loci let go of Roben, and sighed deeply, burying his face in his hands.

"What's wrong?" asked Roben.

"All the people around us... They saw everything. I'm going to be hated even more now."

"You were never hated, Loci. Just misunderstood. This is the same situation."

"No, this is different. They were scared."

Roben thought for a moment. "Let's just tell them. When they know you're a link, they won't be scared anymore."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea." said Asmara. "Her powers must be kept a secret."

"It's a small enough town. It's not like were going to tell the capital."

Asmara looked at the both of them. "Alright. I'll allow it, but that doesn't mean I approve of it."

"Right. Now, let's take you back to the village." said Roben.

 They all walked through the forest, leaving Terakial behind. They thought it best to introduce him later. Roben and  Loci crossed the edge of the forest to find half the town converging around the stones. The village elder was examining them. When the three of them approached the town, people began pointing and shouting.

"There they are!"

"I told you that child was dangerous."

"I knew he was different ever since he was born."

Loci froze, overwhelmed by the angry voices surrounding him. He opened his mouth to speak, but the elder move forward and quieted everyone.

"Son. Is this your doing?" he asked calmly.