End of the road.
A gathering of cherry blossoms danced in the breeze and scattered across the lush green courtyards. The after effects of what happened at the sun solstice were visible to the naked eye, making Macey shun and ponder in deep concluded thoughts. Dragoons were in small clusters, situated under the trees where they usually hung out. A few had bandages around their arms and one had their leg scarred up very badly. Across from them were White Enhancers and a few Alchemist who mingled and exchanged coy and skittish laughter and snickers. And down the road a bit was Shaz, who sat by herself on a nearby bench, reading a book whilst noting down things in a sketch pad.
Grabbing her attention, Macey yelled and watched the metal mage greet her with a large grin. They wandered the familiar pathway of the institute together, listening to the lingering laughter of the other students and their shoes dragging along the cobblestones beneath them.
"So Mace," said Shaz, breaking the heavy silence around them. "What are our plans for the holidays?"
She bit down on her inner lip hard, thinking fast of a way to divert the truth from leaving Maceys mouth. In all honesty, she wanted to research more about the crows, her family and even about her moon magic. To everyone else around her, the events were over. But to Macey, this was the beginning of something far more grand.
"Not yet," she muttered silently.
"Well," hummed Shaz. "You know where to find me and a tasty margarita."
"Did someone mention alcohol?"
Like a bad omen, Macey was greeted by her least favourite summoner in the whole entire world, whose attire was similar to that of Connor. He wore a crisp white shirt, with the top button undone and the adornments he wore tucked away for good measure. His jeans had one small rip and not a million and his shoes looked exactly like her fire sage lover. With a small limp in his walk, Logan sauntered his way towards the pair, his deep blue eyes set solidly on the metal mage next to her. Shaz became instantly shy, adjusting her violet coloured mini skirt and skimming her knee high boots against the dirt. She then tucked the stray curls on her head behind her ear, with Logan snuffing out the cigarette that was sitting on his bottom lip.
"Please give me the dignity of not spe-"
However, Maceys plea was not met. The doting couple blocked out the rest of the world and herself, tenderly touching lips then letting their now intensified kiss become steamy and loud, like liquid pushing against a wall. She shook her head in disgust and rolled her eyes, staring at a random mushroom that was growing out of the fissures of the stones near the soles of her shoes.
When the show was finally over, Logan smiled and then looked over at Macey and asked, "What'd you say princess?"
"You make me sick," replied Macey, pushing his arm ever so lightly.
"Likewise," stated Logan, before snaking his hand around Shaz's waist. "So, does my baby have any plans for these following weeks?" He then shifted his body behind her, placing his chin upon her shoulder, causing her giggling to reverberate. "Because I was hoping to take you out on a romantic getaway filled with adventure and," with his gaze gawking at Macey, he then placed his lips upon Shaz's neck and whispered, "no interruptions."
"Can you be any more subtle?" But like a fly in the wind, her words didn't affect anyone. Shaking her head at the romantically infectious couple, she then headed towards the companions den to clear her mind of things.
"See ya later Shaz," said Macey before heading towards the forest.
_________
Although the forest had always been silent, overgrown with ivy and buzzing with creatures, there was signs of institutional life that had also made their way towards the den. Macey felt a heavy pang in her heart, looking down the cavern of the den, reminiscing on the lady she knew simply as professor Hazel. A women, in her eyes, who was strong and heavily independent. Someone who was well respected in the Citadel and adored by her own students — the biggest fan being Macey.
She clenched her fist in retort. The lady was a traitor. But, her loving legacy was the one thing Macey was to take from all this.
She did not die a backstabber. She done what she done, for the one person she loved more than her own life.
"Hey Macey."
Pulling her away from her own thoughts was Raine, who made the moon mage gasp in shock, transferring her vision towards the head alchemist.
Before Macey had a chance to ask, commotion began to develop in the den.
Hiding behind a pillar, she was able to catch a glance at two of the people, one of them being Dean Reginald. His cloak draped down to the earthy pathway, dragging as the dean walked into the den more. His icy grey eyes were like that of a stone, and he looked as if he hadn't aged since the last time they met — right at the beginning of the year. The man next to him wore combat boots that heaved along the ground and blood stained jeans that had a few rips at the knees. He wore a scarf around his neck, tossing a piece of it behind his shoulder, listening to the flurry of adornments along his arm jangle and clink. Upon closer inspection, Macey saw that this man had an array of tattoos on his body, ranging from small symbols to large creatures of the night.
"So this is it," said the man with a rather posh accent. An accent that sounded highly familiar to Maceys ears.
"This is it," replied Reginald, lifting his hands up to gesture the den to the man.
He nodded his head, his arms coming across his chest in agreement. Surveying what was before him, the man then let off a large grin that showcased his dimples and laughed out loud.
"Perfect," he said. "It ain't no Citadel, but it could be worse."
The man then snapped his finger, letting lightning static string though his fingernails. Macey furrowed her brow, letting her mouth gape open before Raine whispered, "that's the new companions magics professor."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to rumble. Lightning coiled along the laces of Maceys sneakers, with a slight adjustment in the breeze. The wind picked up the pace, collecting a bunch of stray leaves to funnel and spiral. And then, a shriek echoed around them, one that emerged from the skies above them. A shadow drowned the sun out, creating a black silhouette to cast over her, cutting though the clouds like a hot blade.
"Oh my goodness..."
A creature of formidable size crashed landed at the mans side. It's scales glistened in the midday sun, the sheer size of it was able to drown out the light that would have cascaded across the mans face. It's wings were the most impressive thing about it, large and looked as if they could span out for miles. Macey was extremely fascinated. This was her first time seeing a dragon familiar. One that was getting rather angsty, and somehow had its eyes locked into their direction.
The man looked at the dragon and smiled. "Raine. Are you up there?"
Startled, Macey then turned around and watched the alchemist grab her by the arm, heading in the direction of the dean and the mysterious man with the dragon familiar.
"Ah," the man breathed. "I was correct."
"Like always," Raine replied, gripping onto Macey harder before she announced introductions between the two.
"Uncle, this is Macey Russells. The benevolent moon mage and a grand summoner."
The man pinched at his chin and narrowed his eyes down at her. Something about him threw Macey off. Was it the fact that the man had a grin that made her want to kinda punch him in the face? Or was it the intimidation he held with his familiar by his side.
He extended his hand towards her and shook her hand and laughed. "Don't know if you'd remember me. Last time I saw you, you were up to my knee. Ah, yes won't your parents be proud that your following in their footsteps." He then reached into his back pocket and fished out a cigarette, lightning it up with fire magic and then said, "where are my manners! The names Alistair O' Shea. Or professor O' Shea as you pushy kinds like to refer to yourselves. Am I right?"
Alistair then elbowed Reginald in the ribs, prompting the dean to awkwardly shuffle away from his annoyance. It wasn't hard for Macey, but she immediately knew that this man was the father of the equally annoying Logan O' Shea.
And he was going to be the new companions magics professor.
"It's nice to meet you," said Macey, as she then looked over at Reginald, who couldn't help but stare daggers in her direction. Such intimidation made her scowl, lowering her gaze down at Alistair's blood stained boots.
"The pleasures all mine," replied Alistair, letting go of her hand, turning his attention towards Raine. "And congratulations on becoming the new alchemist professor. Your mother would be extremely proud of you."
Macey gasped. "Woah, for reals?"
"Yep," said Raine, giggling silently under her breath, scratching the back of her neck shyly. "Well with how dangerous things have gotten, Lena is being sent back to the Citadel." She then shifted her weight to one leg then rolled her eyes. "And ... I don't want to be in the same room as our stupid... I mean ... our benevolent overseer."
"Fair enough," laughed Macey, who couldn't help but notice the deep pout slowly appearing on the alchemists face. It didn't occur to her how badly the events had affected the Citadel, wondering why Michael hadn't even come forth with reassurance and comfort. Has he even seen Connor? she asked herself, looking down at her watch, noticing the time.
It was almost time to go see him.
"Sorry about this," blurted Macey, making her towards the stairs in a hurry. "I'm needed elsewhere."
She gave her farewells to Raine and Alistair, and also the dean who halted her movements at the first step.
"Do you have a second?" he asked. "This won't take that long."
She purses her lips then curled the corner of them. "Sure," she said, as she shuffled herself to face him.
"I'm aware that this is indeed the final days of the institute for the year, but I warn you not to be complacent." Reginald then lowered himself down to her ear, sending a chill along the base of her spine and the depths of her soul.
"This is only the beginning. We must stay vigilant."
_______
Bags and books were sprawled on the floor, with a crumpled up sheet stuffed in the corner near the door. Paintings that hung on the wall were now taken down, stacked against photos of all sizes. The blankets were folded neatly at the foot of the bed and two large pillows were situated on top. Both Macey and Connor did a great job clearing his room. However, it was easier for the moon mage to become heavily distracted in the presence of the Heslington.
Underneath the desk laid clothing belonging to both Connor and Macey. She sat on the edge of it, her legs wrapped tightly around his bare waist. His burly hand glided up her leg, covering her skin in a thick layer of goosebumps. She bit at her lip in ecstasy, wanting more but knowing that if they were to continue, he would miss the train back home.
"I came here to help you pack," breathed Macey, as Connor kissed her tenderly under her neck. A moan left her lips as she struggled to speak. Her hands met his lofty chest, then she said, "not this."
He silently laughed. It was low and slow, creating euphoria within herself, knowing full well that the fire sage had her under his thumb. "You are helping me create memories that shall last me two months."
With every ounce of will power, Macey then pried herself away from his embrace, cupping his face into her hands. Two months was a very long time. It made her somber just thinking about it, lowering her eyes down at the ground.
She was going to miss him so much.
"Don't worry," he whispered, kissing her on the forehead, letting his lips linger against her skin. "Try and stop me from keeping in contact with you."
But she couldn't help but doubt him. He was a Heslington, it didn't take long for her to realise that he would be put into a position where the duties of the Citadel ranked over everything — including herself.
"I mean it," he stated, stroking his thumb along her jawline. "Macey I..."
He pressed his lips into a solid line, turning red from a sudden rush of heated embarrassment. He fumbled about with his fingers, scratching the back of his head in confusion and sitting down heavily on a nearby seat. Macey couldn't help but make a face, jumping off the desk then collecting her shirt off the floor. Frustration was in the face of her lover. Something she didn't want to remember him for.
"Alright nerd," she laughed. Macey then grabbed his hand and lifted him out of the seat, returning to the sheet that she had problems folding, lifting it off the ground in irritation. "We don't want you being late now do we. Wouldn't be very Connor-like if that were to happen."
Shaking his head, he then said the words Macey couldn't help but adore.
"You're a headache."
It took them a while to attain all of his items, but they got there in the end, making their way towards the train station in Stormvein. Together both Macey and Connor walked the roads of the institute hand in hand, exchanging laughter and stories of their time at Grendilton.
She leered at him, taking in the sights that was this man who made her realise that it is okay to trust again and that she is more than just the moon mage. He was a wonderment to gaze at, from the way his curly hair easily floated in the wind to the freckles that spanned across his face. He was able to take her breath away with little to not effort, making her tilt her head in curiosity.
How strong is my feelings for Connor?
"Have a wonderful two months off," he said. "If anyone deserves it, it's you."
Shards of ice began to circulate around Maceys heels, shattering into snowflake particles that now floated in the air. With grace and elegance, Snowpea then rushed past her, being chased by Aru who seemed to be rather frustrated that he couldn't quiet catch the more agile wolf.
"Have fun at the Citadel," whispered Macey, gripping at his arm as if he were to dissolve into nothing. She nuzzled her face into the back of his tricep, taking in the citrus like aroma he naturally let off. "Tell me everything, even the boring paper work."
Connor laughed. "I will leave out nothing."
Stormvein was bustling with life. Students of all year categories held in their hands a suitcase or two, making their way in either groups or by themselves towards the station. Macey caught the eyes of some who were in her water masters class, giggling under their breath and fawning over her and Connor — the highly unlikely couple of the institute. All her life, she has rejected any sort of attention towards her, harbouring a hate for her status as the moon mage. Although their intense stares created discomfort, having Connor by her side made it bearable to wrap her head around.
Plumes of smoke rose towards the sky, shooting out giant gold pipes that jutted out of the roof of the station. The roaring engine of the trains echoed all around Macey, with the heat of the steam brushing her face, picking her hair up in the rush of the motion. Connor laughed, noticing that a bundle of hair was in her face, brushing it behind her ear before making their way hand in hand though the thick crowd of students. Together they pushed and probed, shuffling sideways from a cackling pair of alchemist and a roaring rage of paladins who couldn't help but entice Connor in a conversation of wits.
She couldn't help but shake her head. They were going to be late.
"Hey guys!"
Cutting though the commotion that surrounded them was a familiar voice. Macey surveyed the perimeter, tippy toeing to find out where they were.
"Over here," yelled iza, waving at Macey who caught the ice sage in the corner of her eye. He sauntered over to Macey and smiled, pulling her in for a hug before turning his attention to Connor.
"You off?" he asked sullenly, scratching at the back of his neck.
Connor nodded. "Returning home for a month or so, then I'll be heading back to the Citadel for paladin training."
Macey saw sadness in the way the ice sage stood. His gaze was downcast, with his hands unable to stop fidgeting against one another. She watched the ice sage bit his lip in anticipation, holding back tears that were visible in the rising midday sun.
"Don't work too hard," laughed Iza in a gloomy tone. "We want you back in one piece." He then extended his hand out to Connor, who shook his head and grinned.
"I best be listening. They don't have White Enhancers quiet like you."
A shy smiled appeared on Iza's face. "Shut up nerd," he replied, catching a glimpse of a waving individual behind them who was yelling his name. "Oh, gotta go. You two have a good break. Don't have too much fun."
Macey shook her head, watching Iza sprint off into the distance, facing Connor who held her hands with an unease shake in his fingers. His grip became clammy, and when she looked up at his face, his cheeks were a shade of dark pink.
"Are you okay?" she asked, increasing in worry when her answer was nothing but silence.
_______
Golden hour was upon them, generating a pool of harmonious light and warmth to surround Macey. The steam from the trains whisked past her body, picking up any stray materials that hung from her clothing. Although the commotion around her was loud and echoed in her ear like a siren, what remained in this moment was herself and Connor.
"This is it," said Macey. "I guess this is goodbye."
Connor nodded. "Yeah."
It wasn't forever. Macey knew that, but the information didn't stop her heart from aching. Thinking of the things Connor had done for her — such as him figuring out that she has a twin brother, stepping out of his comfort zone to bring forth a trust she didn't quiet expect ...
'Forever and always Macey...'
The thought of him not being by her side when she wanted him bought forth tears. They rolled down her face as she hugged herself into his chest, drinking in his presence and scent with her eyes shut tight. She heard him murmur her name, his voice low and steady but drowning in nothing but worry for her sudden span of sadness.
It was clear to Macey — what Connor meant to her. The contentment he gave her when he was around and the ravaging butterflies that his existence made was enough for her to realise what he was to her. She pushed herself off him, trembling at the lip when the words failed to leave her mouth. Fragments of sentences swam around her thoughts, screaming at her to finally say what has been on her mind. Macey then inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, then she whispered ...
"I love you, Connor Heslington."
She refused to look up, opting to gaze at the markings in her hand over his unknown expression. There was not a sound that seemed to catch her ear nor was there any slow movement in the caverns of her chest. He doesn't feel the same, she thought, letting regret sink into the pit of her stomach. When she was about run off and leave, his finger tilted her head up, gifting her with a reaction that simply blew her away.
Rays of light shone down on his teary brown eyes, his smile stretched from ear to ear, almost as if he's just heard the best news in the world. The next train leaves in one minute, echoed the conductor. Please make you way into the carriage. However, Connor seemed to be in no rush whatsoever, bringing her hands towards his lips, kissing each of her knuckles ever so tenderly. He then placed his face upon her palm, gliding his lips down to the tips of her fingers, murmuring little somethings she could only imagine about.
Just as Macey was about to say something, Connor cleared his throat.
"Wow," he breathed, his face turning a bright shade of scarlet. She laughed silently and shyly, furrowing her brows at his obvious lack of ability to use words. Connor then lowered his face down to her own, suppressing the urge to kiss him. The shimmer of euphoria in his deep brown eyes made her weak at the knees, as he then bit his lip and replied...
"I love you too, Macey."
Time halted.
Her mouth was unable to move after being petrified by such velvety words. Even when he boarded the train and waved out to him, she was still unable to move away. Her hair began to cover her face, the air around her felt as if gravity was dragging her down. Tremors appeared along her lips, with her mouth jarring wide open. Pins and needles pricked her skin, disabling her from moving, as finally, shock took over her body.
Forever and always echoed in her mind. The tone of voice was Connor's, but each time she heard it, the voice began to change — along with the words.
Forever and always...
Forever we meet again...
"Until we meet again," cried Macey, letting the last voice to echo in her mind to be her brother...
Dante.